DelawareSB 132153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 56, TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Later deadline for renters’ legal representation

The law moves the deadline for fully phasing in required tenant legal representation from November 22, 2026, to June 30, 2028. The Coordinator must meet the new deadline subject to sufficient funding being appropriated for full implementation. This extends the time allowed to reach full service for eligible tenants. The law does not specify how much funding is needed.

New oversight for renters’ legal help

The law moves tenant legal-help funding and oversight from the Attorney General to the State Court Administrator. The administrator provides the legislature’s designated funding through Delaware Volunteer Legal Services; the law sets no dollar amount. Services involve that group, Community Legal Aid Society, Inc., and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware. Funding supports fair pay, supervision, manageable caseloads, and oversight of legal services. The Right to Representation Coordinator sits within Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, manages funding, and selects qualified nonprofit providers. This provider change does not expand who qualifies. Covered cases include eviction, loss of tenancy or housing subsidies, and cases providers consider equivalent. They also include court or agency cases addressing retaliation, unsafe housing, illegal eviction, or interference with peaceful use of a home. Representation includes ongoing legal advice, advocacy, assistance, and filing a notice of appearance. Nonlawyers can represent tenants where Delaware Supreme Court rules allow. Subject to appropriate funding, the Coordinator oversees in-person and online rights training for tenants, rental owners, and property managers. Outreach also includes written information, help forming and maintaining tenant associations, and referrals, with contracts or grants allowed. Providers must report annually by August 31; the Coordinator must report by November 30. The Coordinator’s report covers people served, extent of help, outcomes, tenant engagement, prior representation, court experience, and program spending. It also tracks Form 50 agent appearances and units owned by represented entities. Form 50 gains an optional field for units owned or managed. The report must appear on the State Court Administrator’s website, and the administrator can adopt rules to implement the program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Daniel Cruce
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Krista Griffith
Democratic • House
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Melissa Minor-Brown
Democratic • House
Josue O Ortega
Democratic • House
Bryan Townsend
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 0

House vote • 6/25/2025

Passed (3/4 required)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
9/3/2025Governor
Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 1 ABSENT 1 VACANT
6/25/2025House
Reported Out of Committee (Housing) in House with 8 On Its Merits
6/10/2025House
Assigned to Housing Committee in House
5/22/2025House
Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
5/21/2025Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 2 On Its Merits
5/14/2025Senate
Re-Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate
5/9/2025Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Housing & Land Use Committee in Senate
5/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

Current
5/8/2025
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