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Hawaii security deposit law
Short answer: A Hawaii landlord has 14 days after the rental agreement ends to return the deposit, or the remainder with a written notice of what was kept and why, including estimates, invoices or receipts. Deposits are capped at one month's rent, plus an optional pet deposit of up to one more month.
| Deadline to return the deposit | 14 days after the rental agreement ends. |
|---|---|
| Limit on how much a landlord can charge | One month's rent, plus up to one month's rent more as a pet deposit if a pet lives there (never for an assistance animal). At move-in a landlord can collect only the first month's rent and the deposit. |
| Itemized list of deductions | Yes. Written notice of the particulars and grounds for anything kept, with written evidence of the costs: estimates or invoices for repairs, receipts for cleaning supplies, or cleaning service charges. |
| Interest on the deposit | Not required by state law. |
| Penalty if the landlord breaks the rules | A landlord who misses the 14-day notice loses the right to keep any of the deposit. In small claims court, a landlord who wrongfully and willfully keeps money can owe three times the amount kept, plus the cost of suit. |
| What the tenant has to do | Give the landlord a mailing address, and return all keys, fobs, parking cards and openers. A tenant absent 20 days or more without written notice (and without paying rent) can be treated as having wrongfully quit, and lose the deposit. |
| The law | Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 521-44 |
Official law: Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 521-44. Checked against the statute on 2026-11-04.
Good to know
- The deposit can only cover tenant damage, unpaid rent, unreturned keys and fobs, cleaning back to move-in condition, losses from wrongfully quitting, pet damage, and unpaid landlord-provided utilities.
- The deposit can't be used as last month's rent unless both agree in writing after the tenant gives 45 days' notice.
- Deposit disputes go to small claims court, where neither side can be represented by an attorney.
- Lawsuits over a deposit must be filed within one year after the rental agreement ends.
Tips for landlords
- Do a written move-in inspection and have the tenant sign it. Take dated photos of every room, including inside appliances and closets.
- Collect the tenant's forwarding address in writing at move-out.
- Put the itemized list and the refund in the mail well before the deadline, and keep proof of mailing.
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes) usually can't be charged. Damage beyond that can.
Tips for tenants
- Take your own dated photos and video on move-in day and move-out day.
- Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing, and keep a copy.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter that cites the law above before going to small claims court.
Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Hawaii?
14 days after the rental agreement ends.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Hawaii?
One month's rent, plus up to one month's rent more as a pet deposit if a pet lives there (never for an assistance animal). At move-in a landlord can collect only the first month's rent and the deposit.
Does a landlord in Hawaii have to itemize deductions?
Yes. Written notice of the particulars and grounds for anything kept, with written evidence of the costs: estimates or invoices for repairs, receipts for cleaning supplies, or cleaning service charges.