How to Write an Eviction Notice in Delaware

Last Updated: September 2, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

In Delaware, in order for an eviction notice to be legal, it must contain certain information about the tenancy and violation committed. If any appropriate details are missing and the case proceeds to court, the case may be postponed or dismissed by a judge.

Step 1: List Tenants’ Full Names

All adult tenants’ names must be included. It is important to make sure each adult household member is named individually if the landlord has to move forward with the eviction process.

Step 2: List Full Address

The full address for the rental premises must be included for legal purposes. This is extremely important so there is no confusion later in the eviction process when the court returns possession of the premises to the landlord.

Step 3: Include Grounds for Eviction

Include the reason why the tenant is facing eviction.

• For nonpayment of rent, include the total balance due for the current rental period plus any past delinquencies.
• For a lease violation, the tenant must have a clear understanding of the infraction and whether or not it can be corrected.
• For an incurable breach, indicate the specific breach or illegal conduct.

In some cases, even with lease violations or an incurable breach, the tenant may owe a balance due, which shall also be provided in the notice.

Step 4: Calculate and Include Termination Date

This date must be included on all notices and is the date by which tenants must pay a rent balance due, cure a lease violation or the date the tenants must vacate the premises.

In Delaware, an eviction notice takes effect the day after it is served. However, there is one exception, the Immediate Notice to Vacate, which is effective immediately.

For all other notices, weekends and legal holidays are not counted if the notice period is less than seven (7) days. If the notice period is seven (7) days or longer, then weekends and legal holidays are counted in the period.

Regardless of the notice period length, if the last day falls on a weekend or legal holiday, then the notice period will not officially expire until the end of the next judicial day when the clerk’s office is open.
[1]

Step 5: Include Date Notice Served

This date is very important for a couple of reasons. For purposes of counting the proper number of days in the notice period, the date the notice is served is required. In addition, it tells the court when the notice was delivered to the tenants.

Step 6: Landlord’s Signature and Printed Name

The landlord must sign and print their name on the notice to make it effective and legally compliant. Like all legal documents, the notice must be signed or it will not be enforced in court and the landlord will have to begin the eviction process over.

Step 7: Landlord’s Address and Phone Number

The landlord’s contact information gives the tenant a way to reach the landlord or drop off a payment for a balance due. In addition, the contact information provided must be a reliable method of contacting the landlord throughout the duration of the eviction process.

Delaware Eviction & Lease Termination Notice Forms