Rent Assistance in Delaware

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

Delaware's strongest tools for a renter in trouble are legal rather than financial. Income-eligible tenants may get a free lawyer through a right to representation being phased in since November 2023, and landlords must take part in the Justice of the Peace Court's Residential Eviction Diversion Program.

A newer protection took effect September 1, 2026: when unpaid rent is the only reason for an eviction, an eligible tenant may stay by paying everything owed, including court costs and fees, before the eviction is carried out.

For money itself, Delaware 211 keeps the rent payment and deposit listings. Housing Delaware's own subsidy programs are vouchers, not emergency payments.

Where to Start in Delaware

Delaware 211

Maintains the state's rent payment and rental deposit assistance listings. Specialists can also help with the legal intake form for eviction defense. Call 2-1-1 or the toll-free line, or text your zip code to 898-211. Its site and the Legal Help Link list different closing times, so call during the day.

Visit website · Phone: 800-560-3372 · Accepting applications when last checked

Housing Delaware (Delaware State Housing Authority)

The state housing agency. It runs Housing Choice Vouchers, Moving to Work, Section 811 and the State Rental Assistance Program, plus an affordable rental search at delawarehousingsearch.org. Delaware 211 lists its Section 8 service as covering Kent and Sussex counties. Its eviction prevention page sends renters behind on rent to free legal help. Office hours are weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit website · Phone: (302) 739-4263 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Residential Eviction Diversion Program

Free online negotiation and mediation run by the Justice of the Peace Court for residential eviction complaints filed on or after July 1, 2024. Landlord participation is mandatory. A tenant has 15 days after formal service to register. Signed agreements are binding, and if there is no agreement, the case goes on to court.

Visit website · Accepting applications when last checked

Centralized Intake (Housing Alliance Delaware)

Call or text for referrals to emergency shelter openings and housing assistance if you are experiencing homelessness. Available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit website · Phone: 1-833-346-3233 · Accepting applications when last checked

Delaware Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit

Housing Delaware lists this unit for landlord and tenant questions. It does not provide rent money.

Phone: (800) 220-5424 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Local Rent Help in Delaware

First State Community Action Agency (Georgetown office, Sussex County)

Lists the State Rental Assistance Program under client services, along with housing counseling. All services require registration online or by phone. Ask which communities it covers and whether funds are available.

Visit website · Phone: 302-856-7761 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (New Castle and Sussex counties)

Handles private housing cases under the Eviction Defense Project. Its Kent County number is (302) 734-8820. Hours for both lines are weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit website · Phone: (302) 575-0408 ext. 100 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Delaware?

For unpaid rent, a Delaware landlord must send a written demand giving at least 7 days to pay before filing for summary possession in the Justice of the Peace Court. A tenant who misses trial risks losing by default. An appeal must be requested within 5 days of the judgment, and a cash bond may be required to prevent eviction during it. A writ of possession generally will not issue until 10 days after judgment, and the tenant must get at least 24 hours' notice to vacate. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI). Free civil legal services for people with low incomes, people with disabilities and people 60 and older. It handles subsidized housing cases under the Eviction Defense Project. Tenants at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines may qualify, though landlords who own three or fewer units, are not an LLC and have no lawyer or agent are exempt from the right to representation. Kent County is 302-674-8500 and Sussex County is 302-856-0038. Visit website · Phone: 302-575-0660

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

More Help in Delaware

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Delaware Rent Assistance Questions

Can I get a free lawyer for an eviction in Delaware?

Possibly. The right to representation began November 22, 2023 and is being phased in. Household income must be at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, the landlord must not be exempt, and priority may go to certain zip codes if demand exceeds capacity. Contact Delaware 211 or a legal aid office right away.

Can paying what I owe stop a Delaware eviction?

Since September 1, 2026, if unpaid rent is the only basis, an eligible tenant may stay by paying all amounts owed, including court costs and fees, before the eviction is carried out. Ask legal aid whether this applies to your case.

Who helps with back rent in Delaware?

Housing Delaware's pages do not describe an emergency rent payment program. Delaware 211 is the place to ask, and it can connect you to rental assistance resources in your county.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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