Bill > HB311

This bill establishes a comprehensive "Rights and Responsibilities Guide for Landlords and Tenants" in Delaware, aiming to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties in rental agreements. The Delaware Real Estate Commission (Commission) is tasked with drafting, maintaining, and distributing this guide, which will be created and overseen by a new committee composed of various stakeholders, including representatives from legal aid, housing organizations, real estate professionals, and government agencies, along with appointed landlords. The guide will cover essential topics such as renters insurance, legal representation for tenants, eviction diversion programs, lead-based paint disclosures, local rental property requirements, pest control, fair housing laws, smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements, and school district information. Landlords and real estate service providers will be required to provide this guide to prospective tenants before they sign a lease and upon renewal of leases longer than one year, with acknowledgment of receipt being necessary. While the guide is intended to be a helpful resource, it generally does not create legal liability for outdated or incorrect information, though good faith reliance on its content may serve as an equitable defense. The bill also mandates a report to the General Assembly with recommendations on consolidating disclosures into the guide, and outlines specific timelines for the guide's implementation and the reporting requirements.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142906