The Delaware standard residential lease agreement is used by landlords to establish terms and conditions concerning the leasing of residential property by a tenant. The provisions included in the lease determine the tenant’s monthly rent, parking rights, legal liabilities, utilities, and other financial obligations related to the property. Unlike month-to-month tenancies, a standard lease is a fixed-term contract that guarantees tenants the right to occupancy for the duration of the agreement term. However, the lease can be broken if the tenant fails to pay rent or is otherwise non-compliant with the rental agreement.

Rental Laws – Title 25, Part 3 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Code)

Handbook (Guide) – A Summary of the Delaware Residential Landlord-Tenant Code

Security Deposits

Maximum (§ 5514(a)) – One (1) Month’s Rent

Returning (§ 5514(f)) – Twenty (20) days

When is Rent Due?

Unless stated otherwise in the lease, one (1) month’s rent shall be paid at the start of every month. The amount due should be paid at a time and place agreed upon by both parties (§ 5501(b)).

Realtor Version

Residential Lease-Rental Agreement – The Delaware Association of REALTORS® has created this lease agreement to be used by its members and those with the association’s permission.

Download: Adobe PDF