Free security deposit return letter for Delaware
Deadline to return the deposit in Delaware: 20 days after move-out. Source: Del. Code tit. 25 § 5514(e)-(f). Last checked October 28, 2026.
Every state sets a deadline to return a tenant's deposit after move-out, often 14 to 30 days, and most require an itemized list of anything you keep. Add the deposit, each deduction and any unpaid rent: the letter adds it up, shows the refund or what the tenant owes, and, where we have checked your state's deadline, tells you the last day to send it.
Deadline to return the deposit, by state
From each state's law as DoorKeeping read it, with the day we checked. Cities and counties can be stricter.
| State | Deadline to return the deposit | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 60 days after move-out | October 30, 2026 |
| Alaska | 14 days with nothing kept, 30 days to send a claim | October 28, 2026 |
| Arizona | 14 business days after move-out and the tenant's request for the deposit | October 30, 2026 |
| Arkansas | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| California | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Colorado | 30 days after move-out | October 30, 2026 |
| Connecticut | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Delaware | 20 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| District of Columbia | 45 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Florida | 15 days with nothing kept, 30 days to send a claim | October 28, 2026 |
| Georgia | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Hawaii | 14 days after move-out | October 30, 2026 |
| Idaho | 21 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Illinois | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Indiana | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Iowa | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Kansas | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Kentucky | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Louisiana | 28 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Maine | 21 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Maryland | 45 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Massachusetts | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Michigan | 30 days after move-out | October 30, 2026 |
| Minnesota | 21 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Mississippi | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Missouri | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Montana | 10 days with nothing kept, 30 days to send a claim | October 28, 2026 |
| Nebraska | 14 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Nevada | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| New Hampshire | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| New Jersey | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| New Mexico | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| New York | 14 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| North Carolina | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| North Dakota | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Ohio | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | 45 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Oregon | 31 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Rhode Island | 20 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| South Carolina | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| South Dakota | 21 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Tennessee | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Texas | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Utah | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Vermont | 14 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Virginia | 45 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Washington | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| West Virginia | 45 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
| Wisconsin | Not checked yet | Not yet |
| Wyoming | 30 days after move-out | October 28, 2026 |
Questions
What is the rule in Delaware?
Deadline to return the deposit: 20 days after move-out (Del. Code tit. 25 § 5514(e)-(f)). DoorKeeping last checked Delaware's law on October 28, 2026. Check your city and county rules too: they can be stricter.
What can I deduct from a security deposit?
Unpaid rent and charges under the lease, and the cost of damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear, such as faded paint or worn carpet from everyday use, is never charged.
Do I need to itemize the deductions?
Most states require a written, itemized list of each deduction and its cost. This letter lists each one with its amount and the total.
Where do I send the letter?
To the forwarding address the tenant gave you in writing. If you have none, send it to the last address you have and keep proof you sent it.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a free standard form. Where DoorKeeping has checked your state's law, it uses that rule and the page shows the day we last checked it. It is not legal advice, and DoorKeeping is not a law firm. Check your city and county rules too: they can be stricter than the state.
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