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.


Man holding a sign that says "Housing is a Human Right"

EVICTION HELP

Free Legal Assistance for Delaware Tenants in Eviction and Loss of Public Housing/Housing Voucher Cases

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. 

Learn more


Legislation

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


RTR Partners:

ACLU NationalCommunity Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI)Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV)Delaware Federation of Housing CounselorsDelaware Volunteer Legal Services, Inc. (DVLS)Housing Alliance DelawareLutheran Community ServicesMetropolitan Wilmington Urban League’s Building People PowerNeighborGood PartnersPeople Power Housing, Opportunity, Mobility, Equity, and Stability Campaign (H.O.M.E.S.)Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice

RTR Advocacy

Gov. Carney sits at a desk holding the newly signed SS 1 for SB 1 legislation, surrounded by coalition partners and advocates.
SS 1 for SB 1 becomes law

On July 25, 2023 Gov. Carney signed SS 1 for SB 1 into law.

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