Delaware HOA reserve study requirements

A plain-language summary of 25 Del. C. §§ 81-103 and 81-315. Last checked October 2026.

Who it applies to: Condominiums and cooperatives under the Delaware Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act.
How often: A reserve study counts only if it was performed or updated within the last five years.
Who can prepare it: The act defines a reserve study as an analysis by "independent engineering, architectural, or construction contractors or other qualified persons".
What it must contain: The remaining useful life and replacement cost of each system and component of the common elements. The annual budget must fund the repair and replacement reserve to the level in the study. Without a current study, minimum percentages of the budget apply.

Can a board do its own reserve study in Delaware?

Outside preparer required

Delaware defines a reserve study as an analysis by independent contractors or other qualified persons, so a board's own workbook does not meet the definition. It can help the board plan contributions between studies.

Your governing documents may set stricter rules than the statute. Check them too.

The workbook

Reserve Study Kit is an Excel workbook that builds a 30-year reserve funding plan from your component list: every year's balance, percent funded, and the contribution that keeps you above your minimum.

See how it works

Source

25 Del. C. §§ 81-103 and 81-315. Read the statute itself before relying on this summary.