AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO KEY SURRENDER IN RESIDENTIAL LEASES.

Clearer key return rules for Delaware renters

Delaware residential leases that tie security deposit returns to key returns must give a clear key-return process. They cannot require you to return keys before the lease ends. Special rules apply when your lease ends on a weekend, legal holiday, or day the leasing office is closed. Possession counts as returned at the earlier completion of the lease process or the legal fallback, when available. The fallback applies only if the lease lacks a clear process and the landlord gave no instructions before lease-end. You can then leave keys inside the rental unit or in the leasing office mailbox by the lease-end date. Give the landlord written notice stating where and when you left them. With multiple tenants on one lease, all must complete the applicable key-return process before possession counts as returned.