Hawaii · Security deposit

Hawaii security deposit law

Hawaii landlords have 14 days to return a security deposit after you move out. The deposit can’t be more than 1 month’s rent, plus up to 1 month’s rent as a pet deposit.

The rule

Deposit limit
1 month’s rent, plus up to 1 month’s rent as a pet deposit
Return deadline
14 days
Interest owed
Not required
Itemized deductions
Required
The limit
A pet deposit may not be charged for an assistance animal. No other move-in money may be required beyond first month’s rent and the deposit.
The deadline
Within 14 days after the rental agreement ends, with written notice of any amounts kept and supporting estimates, invoices, or receipts; without that notice the landlord forfeits the whole deposit.
Interest
State law doesn’t require interest on the deposit.
Deductions
The landlord must give you an itemized list of anything kept from the deposit.
If it isn’t returned
Wrongful and wilful retention: up to three times the amount wrongfully kept plus costs, in small claims court.

Law: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44

Last reviewed September 30, 2026

Not legal advice. Statutes change; check the linked section.