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SB 292

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 21 co-sponsors

SB 292 aims to amend Delaware's Landlord-Tenant Code (Title 25) to modify tenant protections and landlord obligations within residential leases.

Reported Out of Committee (Housing) in House with 5 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits
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Bill Summary · SB 292

Summary of SB 292 (Session 153) – Delaware

Basic information

  • Bill: SB 292
  • Session: 153
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware
  • Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE LANDLORD-TENANT CODE
  • Status: Introduced and assigned to the Housing & Land Use Committee (Senate) on 2026-04-30
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary and co-sponsors: Dave Wilson, Stephanie Hansen, Stell Selby, Bryant Richardson, Claire Snyder-Hall, Danny Short, Eric Morrison, Laura Sturgeon, Ray Seigfried, Marie Pinkney, Bryan Townsend

1. Purpose and intent

SB 292 proposes amendments to Delaware’s Landlord-Tenant Code (Title 25). While the exact textual changes are not provided in the summary, the bill’s placement in the Landlord-Tenant framework suggests aims to modify statutory protections, obligations, or enforcement mechanisms related to residential tenancies. The introduction to the Housing & Land Use Committee indicates a focus on housing issues, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, or administrative processes within the landlord-tenant relationship.

2. Key provisions and changes (anticipated types)

Because the bill text is not included, the following outlines typical areas such amendments might address in the Delaware Landlord-Tenant Code. The actual SB 292 provisions could include any combination of these:

  • Security deposits and fees
    • Caps, allowable deductions, timelines for return, interest provisions, or prohibition of certain charges.
  • Rent and late fees
    • Definitions of lawful rent increases, maximum late fees, grace periods, or notice requirements.
  • Implied warranties and habitability
    • Standards for property condition, repair timelines, and landlord responsibility for habitability.
  • Repair and maintenance obligations
    • Requirements for structural, safety, and essential services (heat, water, electricity) and consequences for non-compliance.
  • Entry and privacy
    • Notice requirements for landlord access to rental units and permissible reasons for entry.
  • Lease terms and disclosures
    • Required disclosures (lead paint, mold, presence of known hazards) and standardized lease form provisions.
  • Anti-discrimination and fair housing
    • Enforcement mechanisms and prohibited practices in leasing.
  • Evictions and remedies
    • Procedures, notice periods, and timelines for eviction actions; possible tenant remedies.
  • Alternative dispute resolution or enforcement
    • Mediation, administrative remedies, or penalties for violations.
  • Local and statewide coordination
    • Clarifications of jurisdiction, applicability to multi-unit buildings, or exemptions for certain property types.

3. Who and what would be affected

  • Tenants and resident communities: Individuals renting housing units would see changes in rights, protections, and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords.
  • Landlords and property managers: Landlords would be impacted by any changes to allowable charges, notice requirements, maintenance standards, eviction procedures, or disclosure obligations.
  • Housing policymakers and local governments: Depending on the changes, municipalities might need to align local ordinances or enforcement practices with the amended state code.
  • Attorney and court systems: If the bill tightens eviction procedures or adds new compliance requirements, court caseload or administrative enforcement processes could be affected.

4. Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Committee assignment: 2026-04-30 – Assigned to the Senate Housing & Land Use Committee for consideration.
  • Next likely steps:
    • Committee study, hearings, and possible amendments.
    • If advanced, potential floor debate and votes in the Senate.
    • Travel to the House (if applicable) for corresponding consideration and eventual concurrence or negotiation, followed by any required gubernatorial action.
  • Effective date: To be determined in the final enacted language (often effective 6 months to 1 year after enactment or on a specified date).

5. Notable items for readers to watch

  • The exact text of SB 292 will specify the precise changes; readers should review the bill language for:
    • Specific updated sections of Title 25.
    • New definitions, if any, and how they affect existing provisions.
    • Any phased-in timelines or transitional provisions for ongoing leases.
    • Any new compliance or enforcement mechanisms, including penalties or remedies.

6. How to stay informed

  • Monitor the Delaware General Assembly’s bill tracking for SB 292 to see:
    • Full text and amendments
    • Committee reports and public hearings
    • Status updates (passage, veto, or amendments)

If you’d like, I can incorporate the actual bill text once available to provide a line-by-line summary of the precise provisions and their impact.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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