House approves amendment clarifying tenant key-surrender procedures

The Delaware House on May 14 approved House Bill 2 17, which amends Title 25 to require residential leases to set clear procedures for the surrender of rental-unit keys at the end of a tenancy and to provide default procedures when leases do not include them.

Representative Johnson, sponsor of the bill, described House Amendment 1 as "just a simple and easy amendment" that replaces the term 'mailbox' with 'Dropbox,' adds an option for in-person return on the next business day, and permits tenants to leave keys in the rental unit or a secured drop box identified by the landlord. The amendment passed by voice vote and the amended bill passed on roll call; the Chief Clerk recorded 38 yes, 1 not voting, and 2 absent.

The sponsor thanked members of the housing committee for discussions that shaped the amendment and said the change reflects stakeholder feedback about practical key-return methods. Having received its constitutional majority, the Chief Clerk announced that House Bill 2 17, as amended, "is hereby passed the House."