31 Del. C. ch. 41 § 4118
Electrical facilities
Operative Text
(a) Outlets required. — Where there is electric service available to a structure, every habitable room of a dwelling unit and every guest room shall contain at least 2 separate and remote outlets, 1 of which may be a ceiling or wall type electric light fixture. In a kitchen, 3 separate and remote wall type electric convenience outlets or 2 such convenience outlets and 1 ceiling or wall type electric light fixture shall be provided. Every public hall, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room or furnace room shall contain at least 1 electric light fixture; in addition to the electric light fixture in every bathroom and laundry room, there shall be provided at least 1 electric outlet. (b) Installation. — All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be installed and maintained in a safe manner in accordance with all applicable laws. All electrical equipment shall be of an approved type. (c) Correction of defective system. — Where it is found, in the opinion of the code official, that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage or for similar reasons, the code official shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard.
Section 4118 of Title 31 of the Delaware Code establishes minimum electrical standards for dwelling units and guest rooms. Every habitable room must have at least two separate electrical outlets, kitchens require three outlets or two outlets plus a light fixture, and common areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and hallways must have at least one light fixture—with bathrooms and laundry rooms also requiring an outlet. All electrical equipment and wiring must be safely installed and maintained, and a code official has authority to order corrections whenever the electrical system is found to pose a hazard to occupants or the structure.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 31 Del. C. ch. 41 § 4118, compliant property operators ensure that every habitable room contains at least two separate outlets, that kitchens meet the three-outlet (or two-outlet-plus-fixture) requirement, and that all common spaces such as hallways and bathrooms have the required light fixtures and outlets. Operators also keep all electrical wiring, equipment, and appliances installed and maintained in a safe condition using approved components. Because a code official can order corrections whenever a hazard is identified, routine inspections and prompt attention to deteriorating or damaged electrical systems are practices associated with ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 4118 of Title 31 of the Delaware Code gives tenants a baseline expectation that their dwelling will have a minimum number of electrical outlets in each room and that all wiring and equipment will be safely maintained. If a rental unit appears to lack required outlets or has electrical conditions that seem unsafe—such as damaged wiring or improper fusing—tenants may report these concerns to the local code official, who has authority under § 4118(c) to inspect and require corrections. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents understand how to document conditions and what options may be available when a landlord does not address electrical deficiencies.
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.
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