Where Delaware's Rental information Comes From

Delaware has two main sources of rental money: the state's Emergency Rental information Program (ERAP), run through the Delaware Housing Authority, and local programs in individual cities and counties. The state program is the larger one and covers the whole state. It pays landlords directly for back rent, forward rent, and utilities. Most people in Delaware start here.

The Delaware Housing Authority is a state agency, not a federal one you call from out of state. They manage the money and set the rules, but they work through local partners to take applications. Which partner handles your area depends on where you live — New Castle County, Kent County, or Sussex County. Knowing your county matters because it tells you where to submit your paperwork.

Delaware also has smaller programs run by nonprofits and local governments. These fill gaps when the state program is closed or when you do not meet state rules. They are harder to find because they are not advertised in one place, but a 211 call (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) will tell you what is running in your area right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Delaware's main rental information comes from the Emergency Rental information Program through the Delaware Housing Authority, which pays landlords directly for back rent and utilities.
  • Your county — New Castle, Kent, or Sussex — determines which local office takes your process and how long processing takes.
  • You must have a signed lease, proof of income loss or hardship, and landlord contact information before you start.
  • Calling 211 tells you which programs are currently open in your area, since some close when funds run out.
  • Processing usually takes four to eight weeks, so tell your landlord you have applied and ask them to pause eviction steps.

How to Reach Delaware's Main Rental information Program

The Delaware Housing Authority runs the state Emergency Rental information Program. You do not explore directly to them. Instead, you explore through a local partner office in your county. Each county has its own intake process and timeline.

New Castle County (which includes Wilmington and surrounding areas) takes applications through the New Castle County Department of Community Services. You can reach them by phone or visit in person. Kent County (Dover area) and Sussex County (southern Delaware) each have their own county offices. The Delaware Housing Authority website lists phone numbers and addresses for each county office, or you can call 211 and they will give you the right number for your location.

When you call, ask if the program is currently open. Delaware's ERAP has run out of money before and reopened later. If it is closed, the person on the phone can tell you when it might reopen or point you to other programs that are running.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Delaware's program requires the same core documents most states ask for. Have these ready before you call or visit:

  • A signed lease or rental agreement showing your name, the landlord's name, the address, and the monthly rent amount.
  • Proof of the hardship — a job loss letter, a furlough notice, medical bills, or a court eviction notice. The hardship must be recent (usually within the last 12 months).
  • Proof of income loss or current low income — recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a benefits statement showing what you earn now.
  • Your landlord's name, mailing address, phone number, and email if they have one. The program pays them directly, so they need to be reachable.
  • Proof of Delaware residency — a utility bill, lease, or ID with your current address.

If you are behind on rent, bring the most recent notice from your landlord or the court. If you have an eviction case filed, bring the court papers. These do not disqualify you — they actually move you higher in the queue because the program prioritizes people facing when ready loss of housing.

What Happens After You Submit Your Information

Once you submit your paperwork to your county office, they verify what you sent and contact your landlord to confirm the lease and the amount owed. This step usually takes one to two weeks. The program does not pay you — it pays the landlord directly into their bank account or by check.

If the program approves you, your county office sends the money to your landlord. Processing from approval to payment usually takes another two to four weeks, though it can be faster if your landlord responds quickly. The total time from process to payment is usually four to eight weeks.

Your landlord will receive a letter explaining the payment and what it covers. If your landlord has questions, they can contact the county office. You should also ask your landlord to confirm they received the money once it arrives, so you both have a record.

What the Program Covers and What It Does Not

Delaware's Emergency Rental information Program covers back rent you already owe, forward rent (usually up to three months ahead), and utility arrears if you are behind on electric, gas, or water. It does not cover future rent beyond what the program decides to pay forward, and it does not cover other housing costs like internet, phone, or renters insurance.

The program has a limit on how much it will pay per month and per case. That limit varies and can change, so ask your county office what the current cap is. If your rent is very high, the program might cover part of it but not all. If you owe more than the program can pay, you and your landlord may need to work out a payment plan for the rest.

The program also does not pay if you have received information for the same rent from another source. If you got money from a nonprofit or another program for the same month, tell the county office before they process your case. They will adjust the amount or deny that portion.

If Delaware's Main Program Is Closed or You Do Not Meet the Rules

Delaware's ERAP has closed to new applications when funds ran low. If you call your county office and learn the program is closed, ask when it might reopen. Sometimes it reopens within weeks; sometimes it takes months. Ask to be put on a waiting list if one exists.

While you wait, call 211. They maintain a list of other programs running in Delaware — nonprofits, local government funds, and emergency information programs. Some have different income limits or rules. A 211 counselor can tell you which ones are open right now and what each one needs from you.

If you have an eviction case filed, contact a legal aid office. Delaware has free legal help for renters facing eviction. They can sometimes delay court dates or negotiate with your landlord while you pursue rental information. The Delaware Volunteer Legal Services Commission can connect you to a local office.

How to Prepare for Your Conversation With the County Office

Before you call or visit, write down the information you will need to give: your name, phone number, address, the address of the rental property, your landlord's full name and contact details, your monthly rent amount, how much you owe, and the date you fell behind. Have your lease in front of you so you can read details if they ask.

Write down your questions too. Ask whether the program is open, what documents they need, how long processing takes in your county, and whether they have a waiting list if the program is closed. If you have an eviction notice, ask whether that changes your priority or timeline.

If you reach a voicemail, leave your name, phone number, and a brief message saying you are calling about rental information. Call back if you do not hear from them within two business days. County offices are often busy, and callbacks can take time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Delaware citizen to get rental information?

No, but you must live in Delaware and have a signed lease there. The program covers people who rent in Delaware regardless of citizenship status. You will need to show proof of residency, like a utility bill or lease with your current Delaware address.

What if my landlord will not cooperate or give me their contact information?

Tell the county office. They will try to find your landlord's information through property records or by contacting the property management company. If your landlord actively refuses to work with the program, some counties can pay you directly instead, though this is less common. Ask what your county does in this situation.

Can I get information if I have an eviction case already filed?

Yes. In fact, having an active eviction case usually moves you to the front of the line because the program prioritizes people facing when ready loss of housing. Bring the court papers with you. The program may contact the court to ask for a delay while information is processed.

How much rent can the program pay?

The amount varies by county and changes over time as funds are used. When you call, ask your county office what the current maximum is per month and per case. If your rent is higher than the maximum, the program covers up to that limit, and you work out the rest with your landlord.

What if I already got money from another program for the same rent?

Tell the county office before they process your case. The program will not pay twice for the same month. They will either adjust the amount they give you or deny that portion of your request. Being honest about this upfront prevents delays and problems later.