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    Delaware Landlord Entry Notice Law

    Delaware landlords must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering a rented home.

    Last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    Delaware landlord entry notice rules at a glance

    Notice before entry48 hours' notice25 Del. C. § 5509(b)
    ConditionsAt least 48 hours' notice of intent to enter, entry only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; no notice for tenant-requested repairs or emergencies; tenant may waive the notice in a signed writing for showings to prospective tenants or buyers25 Del. C. § 5509(b)

    What Delaware law says

    How much notice must a Delaware landlord give before entering a rental?

    Give the tenant at least 48 hours' notice before entering, and enter only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless the tenant asked for the repair or there is an emergency (25 Del. C. § 5509(b)).

    How Delaware compares

    7 other verified jurisdictions use 48 hours; 1 requires more.

    None of Delaware's 3 neighbors follows the same rule.

    Notice before entryStates
    48 hoursDelaware
    24 hoursMaryland, New Jersey
    No statewide rulePennsylvania

    Other Delaware rules

    Security deposit limit1 month's rent (with exceptions)25 Del. C. § 5514(a), (i); § 5514A(d)
    Deposit return deadline20 days after the lease ends25 Del. C. § 5514(e), (f), (h)
    Late-fee cap5% of rent25 Del. C. § 5501(d)
    Rent-increase notice60 days (Notice must specify the new rent or deposit and effective date; a tenant who does not give notice of termination at least 45 days before the term ends is deemed to accept. Not applicable where rent is income-based under HUD rules)25 Del. C. § 5107
    Notice for unpaid rent7 days (7-day notice to pay rent)25 Del. C. § 5502(a), (c)-(d), SS 1 for SB 116 (85 Del. Laws c. 436), effective Sept. 1, 2026
    Month-to-month termination60 days (either side)25 Del. C. § 5106(c)–(d)

    Read the Delaware law

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