25 Del. C. ch. 56 § 5601
Definitions
Operative Text
For purposes of this chapter: (1) “Coordinator” means the Right to Representation Coordinator within Delaware Volunteer Legal Services. (2) “Covered individual” means a tenant who is eligible for legal representation under this chapter. (3) “Covered proceeding” means any of the following: a. A judicial or administrative proceeding to evict, terminate the tenancy of, or terminate the housing subsidy of a covered individual. b. A proceeding deemed by a designated organization as the functional equivalent of a proceeding described in paragraph (3)a. of this section. c. A judicial or administrative proceeding to remedy a violation of law related to landlord-tenant matters, such as retaliatory actions, habitability, illegal eviction, or violation of quiet use and enjoyment. (4) “Designated organization” means a nonprofit entity designated by the Coordinator that has the ability to provide legal representation to covered individuals. (5) “Legal aid agencies” means Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS), Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI), and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (LSCD). (6) a. “Legal representation” means ongoing high-quality representation provided by a designated organization to a covered individual, and all legal advice, advocacy, and assistance associated with that representation. b. “Legal representation” includes all of the following: 1. The filing of a notice of appearance on behalf of the covered individual in a covered proceeding. 2. Representation of covered individuals by nonattorneys, if the Rules of the Delaware Supreme Court permit the representation.
Section 5601 of Delaware's Chapter 56 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the state's right-to-representation framework in housing matters. It defines who qualifies as a covered individual (an eligible tenant), what proceedings are covered (including eviction, tenancy termination, housing subsidy termination, and related landlord-tenant law violations), and what entities and services are involved in delivering legal representation. The definitions also clarify that representation can be provided by nonattorneys where Delaware Supreme Court rules permit, and that the scope of 'legal representation' includes formal court appearances and all associated advocacy.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 25 Del. C. ch. 56 § 5601, Delaware has established a structured system through which eligible tenants may receive legal representation in proceedings that include eviction and tenancy termination actions. Property owners and managers operating in Delaware should be aware that tenants in covered proceedings may be represented by attorneys or, where permitted, nonattorneys from designated nonprofit organizations. Operators who understand the scope of 'covered proceedings'—which extends to habitability disputes, retaliatory action claims, and quiet enjoyment violations—are generally better positioned to maintain compliant practices and documentation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 5601 of 25 Del. C. ch. 56 defines the rights and framework that may entitle eligible tenants to free legal representation in a range of housing-related proceedings, including eviction, housing subsidy termination, and cases involving habitability or retaliation. If you are a tenant facing one of these covered proceedings, designated nonprofit organizations—coordinated through Delaware Volunteer Legal Services—may be able to provide ongoing representation, legal advice, and advocacy on your behalf. Tenant-rights organizations such as DVLS, CLASI, or LSCD, as named in this provision, are recognized starting points for learning whether you qualify as a covered individual under this chapter.
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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