Bill > HB217

This bill amends Delaware's residential lease laws by establishing clear guidelines for key surrender at the end of a lease term. Specifically, the bill requires that leases must outline a precise procedure for returning keys and cannot mandate key surrender before the lease's final day. If the last day of the lease falls on a weekend, holiday, or when the leasing office is closed, the tenant can return keys according to specific provisions. The bill also addresses situations with multiple tenants, stating that possession is only considered returned when all tenants have complied with the key surrender procedure. Importantly, if a lease does not provide a clear key return process and the landlord has not provided guidance, tenants may leave keys in the rental unit or leasing office mailbox, accompanied by written notice specifying the key location and return date. This legislation aims to provide clarity and protect tenants' rights during the lease termination process by establishing standardized key surrender protocols.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142553