25 Del. C. ch. 55 § 5509
Tenant obligation to permit reasonable access
Operative Text
(a) The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to enter into the rental unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply services as agreed to or exhibit the rental unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees or tenants. A tenant shall have the right to install a new lock at the tenant’s cost, on the condition that: (1) The tenant notifies the landlord in writing and supplies the landlord with a key to the lock; (2) The new lock fits into the system already in place; and (3) The lock installation does not cause damage to the door. (b) The landlord shall not abuse this right of access nor use it to harass a tenant. The landlord shall give the tenant at least 48 hours’ notice of landlord’s intent to enter, except for repairs requested by the tenant, and shall enter only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. As to prospective tenants or purchasers only, the tenant may expressly waive in a signed addendum to the rental agreement or other separate signed document the requirement that the landlord provide 48 hours’ notice prior to the entry into the premises. In the case of an emergency the landlord may enter at any time. (c) The tenant shall permit the landlord to enter the rental unit at reasonable times in order to obtain readings of meters or appliances for measurement of utility consumption in accordance with § 5312 of this title.
Under 25 Del. C. ch. 55 § 5509, tenants are required to allow landlords reasonable access to rental units for purposes such as inspections, repairs, showing the unit to prospective buyers or renters, and reading utility meters. Landlords must generally give at least 48 hours' advance notice and may only enter between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except in emergencies or when the tenant has requested the repair. Tenants may install new locks at their own expense, provided they notify the landlord in writing, supply a copy of the key, ensure the lock fits the existing system, and avoid damaging the door.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under 25 Del. C. ch. 55 § 5509 generally document their notice to tenants at least 48 hours before any planned entry and schedule visits between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Compliant operators keep records of written notices, tenant-requested repairs (which are exempt from the 48-hour requirement), and any signed addenda in which tenants have waived advance notice for showings to prospective tenants or purchasers. When a tenant installs a new lock, operators typically confirm receipt of the written notification and the duplicate key to maintain uninterrupted lawful access.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 5509 of Title 25 of the Delaware Code gives tenants the right to expect at least 48 hours' notice before a landlord enters, with entry limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., except in genuine emergencies or for repairs the tenant has requested. Tenants also have the right to install a new lock at their own cost, as long as they notify the landlord in writing, provide a key, and avoid damaging the door. Tenants who believe a landlord has abused access rights or failed to provide proper notice may consider documenting the incidents, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring available remedies through Delaware courts.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation