Hawaii · HI · updated 2026
In Hawaii, a landlord must return a security deposit within 14 calendar days
Quick answer
A Hawaii landlord has 14 calendar days after the tenancy ends to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under Hawaii security deposit law, a Hawaii landlord has 14 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when the tenancy ends. By statute, the deposit is capped at 1 month's rent. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 14 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- the tenancy ends
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Required of the landlord
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Interest on deposit
- Not required
Calculate your exact Hawaii deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a Hawaii landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (Hawaii requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
up to 3x the amount wrongfully and willfully retained plus cost of suit; if wrongful but not willful, the amount retained plus cost of suit (no attorney's fees in these small-claims actions)
How to get your deposit back in Hawaii
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common Hawaii deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- Hawaii requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Hawaii?
- In Hawaii, a landlord must return a security deposit within 14 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Hawaii?
- Hawaii caps the security deposit at 1 month's rent.
- Can my Hawaii landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Hawaii requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a Hawaii landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- No. Hawaii does not require the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my Hawaii landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- up to 3x the amount wrongfully and willfully retained plus cost of suit; if wrongful but not willful, the amount retained plus cost of suit (no attorney's fees in these small-claims actions)
Return or itemized written notice within 14 days of termination of the rental agreement (§ 521-44(c)). Move-in condition record required before initial occupancy, signed by both parties (§ 521-42(a)). Cap 1 month's rent; added pet deposit up to 1 month allowed, not for service animals.