Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Delaware

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Delaware law says

Itemized deductions	Within 20 days, an itemized list of damages with the estimated repair cost for each, plus payment of the balance. Failure to send the list is an acknowledgment that nothing is owed for damages. Tenant who accepts the payment agrees to the deductions unless the tenant objects in writing within 10 days of receiving it. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: 25 Del. C. § 5514(f)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Defined by statute as the deterioration in the condition of a property from its ordinary and reasonable use. A security deposit may be used to reimburse actual damages caused by the tenant that exceed normal wear and tear or that cannot be corrected by painting and ordinary cleaning, plus unpaid rent and certain re-renting costs. The landlord must give an itemized list of damages and estimated repair costs within 20 days; otherwise it is treated as acknowledging no damages are owed. The deposit-purpose language means routine repainting and ordinary cleaning generally cannot be charged. A revised § 5141 takes effect March 8, 2027 (definitions are renumbered). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: 25 Del. C. §§ 5141 (normal wear and tear), 5514(c), (f)

Itemized deductions

Within 20 days, an itemized list of damages with the estimated repair cost for each, plus payment of the balance. Failure to send the list is an acknowledgment that nothing is owed for damages. Tenant who accepts the payment agrees to the deductions unless the tenant objects in writing within 10 days of receiving it.

Re-verified 2026-10-27.

Source: 25 Del. C. § 5514(f)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Defined by statute as the deterioration in the condition of a property from its ordinary and reasonable use. A security deposit may be used to reimburse actual damages caused by the tenant that exceed normal wear and tear or that cannot be corrected by painting and ordinary cleaning, plus unpaid rent and certain re-renting costs. The landlord must give an itemized list of damages and estimated repair costs within 20 days; otherwise it is treated as acknowledging no damages are owed.

The deposit-purpose language means routine repainting and ordinary cleaning generally cannot be charged. A revised § 5141 takes effect March 8, 2027 (definitions are renumbered). Re-verified 2026-10-27.

Source: 25 Del. C. §§ 5141 (normal wear and tear), 5514(c), (f)

Fill it in

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Delaware tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.