When the Landlord Can Come In
25 Del. C. § 5509 — 48 hours' notice, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and any time in an emergency
A tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry to inspect, make repairs, supply agreed services, or show the unit to buyers, lenders or new tenants.
48 hours. The landlord gives at least 48 hours' notice of an intent to enter, except for repairs the tenant asked for, and enters only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. In an emergency, the landlord may enter at any time. The right of access may not be abused or used to harass.
A tenant may install a new lock at the tenant's cost, after written notice, giving the landlord a key, if it fits the existing system and does no damage to the door.
Each side has remedies for the other's unreasonable conduct over access. A particular situation is a question for a licensed Delaware attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- 25 Del. C. § 5509 — Tenant obligation to permit reasonable access
- 25 Del. C. § 5510 — Landlord remedy for unreasonable refusal to allow access
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Delaware attorney.