Rep. Kendra Johnson

For many of us, renting has been a part of our story. Moving is already stressful enough between the packing boxes, coordinating timelines, and settling into a new chapter. The last thing families should have to worry about is confusion over something as simple as returning their keys after their lease ends.

My HB 217 came from a simple but important conversation about the uncertainty many tenants face when leasing offices are closed on weekends or holidays. Currently, Delaware law does not clearly explain how or when keys should be returned. Unfortunately, that lack of clarity has led to confusion, unexpected fees, and unnecessary stress for renters in the past. HB 217 helps establish clearer guidance for both tenants and landlords so everyone understands the process and is protected by a more defined system.

Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this legislation, and thank you to the Delaware Association of REALTORS® for your partnership and collaboration and Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. - CLASI for your feedback which helped to strengthen the key return process.