Hawaii Security Deposit Law Explained
If you moved out of a Hawaii rental, you are usually looking for a refund, a real written explanation for any deductions, and proof that the landlord followed the 14-day rule.
The practical rule
Hawaii generally limits the security deposit to one month’s rent. A separate pet deposit may be allowed if the rental agreement covers pet damage, but the assistance-animal carveout should be respected.
The landlord must send written reasons for keeping any part of the deposit and itemize cleaning or repair costs. Receipts are generally required, though estimates may be used if the repairs cannot be completed within 14 days.
Watch this step
Keep proof of move-out date, surrender, key return, and the unit's condition at move-in and move-out. Hawaii's 14-day rule is short, so those records matter if the landlord later claims deductions or says the timeline was different.
What the landlord can deduct
Hawaii materials allow deductions for unpaid rent, cleaning, damage, missing keys or access devices, utility charges if the tenant is responsible under the lease, wrongful quit damages, and pet-animal damage allowed by the rental agreement.
The landlord cannot deduct for ordinary wear and tear.
Itemization and receipts
If the landlord keeps any part of the deposit, the reasons must be given in writing. Cleaning and repair costs must be itemized, and receipts should be included. If the work cannot be completed within 14 days, estimates may be substituted.
What happens if the landlord is late
If the written notice and any remaining deposit are not given within 14 days, Hawaii law says all of the security deposit must be returned.
Hawaii materials also describe a one-year deadline for a tenant action to recover the deposit.
Potential remedies
Hawaii handbook materials say wrongful retention can support recovery of the wrongfully retained amount plus the cost of the suit, and wrongful and willful retention can support damages equal to three times the security deposit or disputed part plus the cost of the suit.
Treat that as a conditional remedy, not an automatic result in every case.
Sources used for this guide
- 2024 Handbook for the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
- Hawaii DCCA - Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
- Hawaii Judiciary - Security Deposits
- HRS section 521-44
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Next Hawaii pages
Hawaii's deadline is short. The system keeps the notice, itemization, receipts, and final demand in order.
Get the Hawaii Recovery SystemImportant: This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.