PRESS RELEASE: At-Large Councilman Alexander Hackett Announces Security Deposit and First Month’s Rent Assistance Pilot Program
October 7, 2026
At-Large Councilman Alexander Hackett Announces Security Deposit and First Month’s Rent Assistance Pilot Program
Wilmington, DE – On October 1, 2026, Wilmington City Council passed an ordinance sponsored by At-Large Councilman Alexander Hackett to amend Chapter 8 of the City Code to create a Security Deposit and First Month’s Rent Assistance Pilot Program.
The program is designed to help eligible residents overcome the upfront costs associated with securing housing, including security deposits and first month’s rent. As rental costs and other household expenses continue to rise, the pilot program aims to reduce financial barriers and expand access to safe, stable, and affordable housing for Wilmington residents.
“This program is about helping residents on the front end and giving them an opportunity to live and thrive in Wilmington,” said Councilman Hackett. “We’re trying to reduce upfront costs and barriers, such as a security deposit and first month’s rent, that our residents sometimes face when they are starting a new chapter in the City of Wilmington. By helping with those initial expenses, we can give residents some financial breathing room as they work toward greater housing stability.”
The program will be administered by the City’s Department of Real Estate and Housing through a third-party administrator. Funding may come from Neighborhood Stabilization Funds, grant funds, or operating budget funds, subject to availability.
As part of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, Wilmington City Council added $1.5 million for a Housing Support Block Grant focused on eviction prevention and rental assistance through Neighborhood Stabilization Funds. Those funds could serve as a funding source for the Security Deposit and First Month’s Rental Assistance Pilot Program, subject to availability and applicable requirements.
The legislation establishing the pilot program will sunset 24 months from the date of enactment, providing a defined period for the City to implement the initiative and assess its use in addressing housing-related financial barriers for eligible residents.
Eligible applicants must be current City of Wilmington residents with a household income below 80% of the Area Median Income. Applicants must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Currently renting a residence in the City;
- Currently or newly employed by the City; or
- Employed as a schoolteacher.
Applicants will be required to provide documentation to the Department of Real Estate and Housing, including:
- Applicant identification;
- Verification of the rental dwelling or dwelling unit where the applicant intends to live by way of
- A copy of the lease or, in the event of an oral residential lease, verified contact information for the landlord;
- Identification of all persons who intend to live in the rental dwelling or dwelling unit;
- Proof of funds available to pay one month’s rent;
- Proof of employment;
- Proof of household income; and
- Proof of current City residency.
The program will provide eligible applicants with up to $2,000 in assistance, consisting of a maximum of $1,000 toward a security deposit and/or a maximum of $1,000 toward first month’s rent. An applicant may receive assistance only once during a 24-month period beginning from the date of any previous application approval.
For additional eligibility requirements and program information, click here to read and download the legislation.
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MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com