A Hawaii landlord may use the security deposit for specific categories. The practical job is to separate real deductions from ordinary wear and tear.
Allowed deduction categories
The handbook materials allow deductions for:
- unpaid rent
- cleaning to restore the unit to the condition it was in at the start, except for normal wear and tear
- damage
- failure to return keys, key fobs, parking cards, garage door openers, and mailbox keys
- utility charges if the tenant is obligated under the rental agreement
- wrongful quit damages
- pet-animal damage allowed by the rental agreement
Normal wear is different
Normal wear is the ordinary decline that comes from living in the unit. Damage is different. It usually means broken items, stains, holes, missing parts, or conditions beyond ordinary use.
Why the itemization matters
If the landlord keeps money, the reason must be written out. Cleaning and repair costs should be itemized, and receipts are generally expected. If the repairs cannot be completed within 14 days, estimates may be used instead.
Proof that helps
Keep move-in photos, move-out photos, videos, the lease, repair requests, cleaning records, and the landlord's written reasons or accounting.
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Sources used for this guide
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Important: This page is general educational information, not legal advice.