25 Del. C. ch. 51 § 5103
Jurisdiction
Operative Text
Any person, whether or not a citizen or resident of this State, who owns, holds an ownership or beneficial interest in, uses, manages or possesses real estate situated in this State submits that person’s own self or such person’s personal representative to the jurisdiction of the courts of this State as to any action or proceeding for the enforcement of an obligation arising under this Code.
Section 5103 of Delaware's Residential Landlord-Tenant Code establishes that anyone who owns, holds an interest in, uses, manages, or possesses real estate located in Delaware is subject to the jurisdiction of Delaware's courts for legal actions arising under that Code — regardless of whether that person is a Delaware citizen or resident. In practical terms, a party cannot avoid a Delaware court's authority over a landlord-tenant dispute simply by living or being incorporated elsewhere. The provision also extends this jurisdictional reach to a person's legal representative.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 25 Del. C. ch. 51 § 5103, property owners and managers who hold or operate real estate in Delaware — even if they live, are headquartered, or are incorporated in another state — are considered to have submitted themselves to Delaware court jurisdiction for any obligation arising under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code. Compliant operators generally ensure they have a registered agent or designated representative in Delaware who can receive legal process on their behalf. Maintaining clear records of ownership structure and management authority helps ensure that the right party can be properly identified and served in any proceeding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 5103 of the Delaware Residential Landlord-Tenant Code means that tenants do not need to pursue an out-of-state landlord in a foreign jurisdiction — if the landlord owns or manages property in Delaware, Delaware courts have authority over disputes arising under the Code. This can be relevant when raising a violation as a defense or initiating a claim, since the landlord's physical location outside Delaware does not shield them from the state's courts. Tenants seeking to understand how this jurisdictional rule applies to their circumstances may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Delaware housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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