PRESS RELEASE: Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy Announces Wilmington’s Voluntary Rent Escrow Program Is Now Available for Residents

 

August 10, 2026

Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy Announces Wilmington’s Voluntary Rent Escrow Program Is Now Available for Residents
To read Ordinance 25-068, visit the link here.

Wilmington, DE – Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy is encouraging Wilmington renters to take advantage of the City’s newly launched Voluntary Rent Escrow Program, a new resource designed to help residents living in unsafe housing conditions while ensuring landlords have an opportunity to make necessary repairs.

The program, established through Ordinance 25-068, legislation sponsored by Councilwoman McCoy, is now officially available to eligible City of Wilmington residents through a partnership between the City’s Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) and the First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA).

Councilwoman McCoy said the program was created to give tenants a clear, fair, and lawful process when essential services are not being provided.

“Every Wilmington resident deserves to live in a home that is safe, healthy, and meets basic living standards,” said Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy. “Too often, families have felt powerless when critical issues such as no heat, hot water, or electricity go unresolved. The Voluntary Rent Escrow Program gives residents a structured process to protect themselves, while also giving landlords the opportunity to correct the problem. This program is about accountability, fairness, and ensuring people have access to safe housing.”

The Voluntary Rent Escrow Program is designed for renters who experience qualifying life-safety issues, including the loss of essential services such as heat, hot water, or electricity after proper notice has been provided to their landlord.

Rather than simply withholding rent, eligible tenants may place their rent into a secure escrow account that is managed by the First State Community Action Agency while repairs are completed. This allows tenants to demonstrate they are acting in good faith while protecting both their rights and their housing stability.

How the Program Works

Residents who believe they are experiencing a qualifying housing violation should:

• Contact the City of Wilmington by calling 311.
• An inspector from the Department of Licenses and Inspections will inspect the property to determine whether a qualifying life-safety violation exists.
• If a qualifying violation is confirmed, the landlord must be given the required 48 hours to correct the issue.
• If repairs are not completed within that timeframe, eligible tenants may participate in the Voluntary Rent Escrow Program.
• Information on enrolling in the program will be provided by the First State Community Action Agency, which will administer the escrow account until the violations have been corrected.

Councilwoman McCoy emphasized that the program is intended to provide residents with another tool to protect themselves while encouraging timely repairs.

“This program benefits everyone involved,” said Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy. “Residents gain peace of mind knowing there is a lawful process available when essential repairs are not being made, and responsible landlords have a clear opportunity to resolve violations and receive payment once the issues have been corrected. Our goal is not conflict. It is safe housing and stronger neighborhoods.”

The Councilwoman also encouraged residents not to wait if they are experiencing unsafe living conditions.

“If your home lacks heat, hot water, or electricity, you should know that help is available,” said Councilwoman McCoy. “I encourage residents to contact 311, learn about the program, and understand the resources that now exist to protect their families.”

For more information about the Voluntary Rent Escrow Program, residents can visit the City of Wilmington’s Rent Escrow Program webpage here or contact 311 for assistance.

To learn more about the program and how it benefits Wilmington residents, watch the YouTube video below featuring Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy and First State Community Action Agency Executive Director Bernice Edwards.

The City of Wilmington has launched a new Rent Escrow Program designed to provide additional protections for renters throughout the City. Established through Ordinance 25-068 and sponsored by Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy, the program will be administered by the First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA). The initiative is intended to help safeguard tenants’ rights while promoting safe, habitable housing and providing support when landlord-tenant disputes arise. FSCAA can be contacted via phone at (302) 856-7761.