Delaware Right to Representation for Eviction Defense

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All Delawareans — regardless of their circumstances or background — should have a fighting chance to remain in their homes when facing eviction.

Previously, only 2% of renters have had representation in court eviction proceedings compared to 86% of landlords. In 2023, Delaware passed Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 1 (SS 1 for SB 1), legislation that ensures low-income renters a right to representation at no cost to them. In doing so, Delaware leads the way as one of only four states in the nation to provide this important right to renters in both public and private housing.

The Delaware Right to Representation for Eviction Defense Coalition (RTR) is here to help keep at-risk families and individuals in their homes by delaying or preventing eviction whenever possible. We are working to ensure renters are informed about both their right to representation in eviction proceedings, as well as safeguards like applying for rental assistance.

If you are facing eviction or loss of your housing subsidy (voucher), you may have the right to FREE legal representation from one of Delaware’s three non-profit legal assistance organizations.

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Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 1
Sponsored by Senator Bryan Townsend

On June 14, 2023, the Delaware General Assembly passed historic legislation ensuring low-income renters a right to representation in eviction proceedings. The law gives eligible low-income Delaware renters access to free legal representation in eviction and housing subsidy (voucher) termination cases.

Legal representation will be provided by Delaware’s three non-profit civil legal assistance organizations: Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI), Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS), and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (LSCD). Services will be phased in over three years a three-year period that began November 22, 2023.

MORE ABOUT SS 1 for SB 1

SB 1 Letter of Support to legislators

ACLU National, Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI), Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV), Delaware Federation of Housing Counselors, Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, Inc. (DVLS), Housing Alliance Delaware, Lutheran Community Services, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League’s Building People Power, NeighborGood Partners, People Power Housing, Opportunity, Mobility, Equity, and Stability Campaign (H.O.M.E.S.), Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice