The Delaware Code Title 25 Chapter 55 Section 5509 prohibits a tenant from refusing rental property access to a landlord in the following manner:
Reasonable Rental Property Access
(a) The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to enter into the rental unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply services as agreed to or exhibit the rental unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees or tenants. A tenant shall have the right to install a new lock at the tenant’s cost, on the condition that:
(1) The tenant notifies the landlord in writing and supplies the landlord with a key to the lock;
(2) The new lock fits into the system already in place; and
(3) The lock installation does not cause damage to the door.
(b) The landlord shall not abuse this right of access nor use it to harass a tenant. The landlord shall give the tenant at least 48 hours’ notice of landlord’s intent to enter, except for repairs requested by the tenant, and shall enter only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. As to prospective tenants or purchasers only, the tenant may expressly waive in a signed addendum to the rental agreement or other separate signed document the requirement that the landlord provide 48 hours’ notice prior to the entry into the premises. In the case of an emergency the landlord may enter at any time.
(c) The tenant shall permit the landlord to enter the rental unit at reasonable times in order to obtain readings of meters or appliances for measurement of utility consumption in accordance with § 5312 of this title.
Del. Code § 5509.
See also Delaware Landlord Remedy for Tenant Refusing Access.
Return to Delaware Landlord-Tenant Laws.