Delaware Rental Application Overview
Delaware provides moderate tenant protections with source of income protections and broad fair housing coverage. Application fees are not capped, but landlords must comply with Delaware's expanded fair housing law.
Delaware does not cap rental application fees at the state level. Landlords can set reasonable fees to cover screening costs. Most Delaware landlords charge between $30 and $75 per applicant.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
2.5-3x monthly rent
Income requirement
Delaware Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Delaware does not cap rental application fees at the state level. Landlords can set reasonable fees to cover screening costs. Most Delaware landlords charge between $30 and $75 per applicant.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Delaware does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for housing. However, the City of Wilmington has enacted a fair chance housing ordinance that restricts criminal history inquiries during the initial application process. Statewide, landlords should follow HUD guidance on criminal history screening.
Credit Check Requirements
Delaware landlords may run credit checks with written applicant consent per the FCRA. No additional state-level restrictions apply. Adverse action notices are required under federal law when denying based on consumer reports.
Fair Housing Protections
Delaware's Fair Housing Act adds protections beyond federal law including sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and source of income. The Delaware Division of Human Relations handles fair housing complaints.
Source of Income Protection
Delaware prohibits discrimination based on source of income. Landlords cannot reject applicants solely because their income comes from Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Social Security, disability benefits, child support, alimony, or other lawful income sources. Violations can result in fair housing complaints and penalties.
Delaware Screening Criteria
Delaware landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Delaware state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Delaware landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Delaware's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Delaware Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Delaware rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Delaware-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Delaware data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Delaware landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Delaware landlords require income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent.
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Delaware does not cap application fees.
Delaware Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Delaware. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30-$75 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Delaware Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Delaware-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Delaware law.
STATE OF DELAWARE
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Delaware Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Delaware state law...
Delaware Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Delaware.
Official Delaware Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Delaware tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Delaware Division of Human Relations
Fair housing complaints and enforcement in Delaware
Delaware State Housing Authority
Housing programs and tenant resources
HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
Federal fair housing laws, complaints, and guidance
FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal credit reporting rights for tenants
Other Delaware Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Delaware? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
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