SB115: An Act To Amend Title 25 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Summary Possession.

Legislative Summary

This Act provides a pathway for former defendants in eviction actions to have the eviction filings against them expunged. Being the subject of an eviction filing can prevent an individual from securing housing for years after any judgment in the case has been satisfied. Even tenants who prevailed in eviction actions may be denied housing by landlords who turn away any applicant with a prior eviction filing, regardless of the outcome of the case. The well-known health, social, and economic consequences of eviction can thus linger for years after an eviction filing, and trap individuals including many children and families in a cycle of poverty and housing instability. The effects are particularly acute among already marginalized groups, such as Black and female renters. By expunging eviction filings when an individual has met certain requirements, this Act will help break down barriers to stable housing and economic security.