Updated for 2026

Hawaii Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Q: How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords have just 14 days after the tenant moves out to return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country.

Q: What is the maximum security deposit in Hawaii?

Hawaii limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Landlords cannot charge more than this amount.

Q: What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Hawaii?

For willful violations, tenants can recover up to 3x the deposit amount plus court costs. For unintentional violations, the tenant can recover the deposit amount owed.

Q: How do I get my security deposit back in Hawaii?

Document the unit at move-out with photos and video. Provide your forwarding address. If the landlord doesn't return the deposit within 14 days, send a demand letter citing Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44 and file in small claims court (limit: $5,000).

Hawaii is one of the most tenant-friendly states for deposit returns. Landlords have just 14 days to return your deposit, the cap is 1 month's rent, and willful violations carry a penalty of up to 3x the deposit plus court costs.

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Hawaii Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline

14 Days

Maximum Deposit

1 Month's Rent

Penalty for Late Return

Up to 3×

Willful; deposit amount if unintentional

Interest Required

✗ No

Applicable Law

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44

Very Short Deadline + Strong Penalty: Hawaii's 14-day return deadline is one of the shortest in the nation. If your landlord willfully withholds your deposit past this window, you can recover up to 3x the deposit amount plus court costs. Act quickly — mark your calendar for day 15 and be ready to send a demand letter immediately.

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Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to see your landlord's deadline and total refund.

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Hawaii Security Deposit Law — Explained

The 14-Day Return Deadline

Under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, landlords must return the security deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates and the tenancy ends. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country — only New York matches it. The landlord must either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions within this window.

1 Month's Rent Cap

Hawaii limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. This protects tenants from excessive upfront costs, especially important given Hawaii's high rental market. Landlords cannot charge additional deposits under different names to circumvent this cap.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Hawaii landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant. The burden is on the landlord to justify each deduction.

Willful vs. Unintentional Violations

Hawaii distinguishes between willful and unintentional violations. If a landlord willfully withholds a deposit without justification, the tenant can recover up to 3x the deposit amount plus court costs. For unintentional violations — such as an honest miscalculation — the tenant can recover the actual deposit amount owed. This two-tier system rewards tenants who can demonstrate bad faith on the landlord's part.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

1
Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease, receipts, and all communications.
2
Provide your forwarding address in writing This ensures the landlord knows where to send the deposit and starts the 14-day clock.
3
Send a formal demand letter on day 15 Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44. Send via certified mail.
4
File in small claims court Hawaii's small claims limit is $5,000. If the landlord acted willfully, you can recover up to 3x the deposit plus court costs.

Hawaii Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords have just 14 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.

What is the maximum security deposit in Hawaii?

Hawaii limits security deposits to 1 month's rent.

What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Hawaii?

For willful violations: up to 3x the deposit plus court costs. For unintentional violations: the deposit amount owed.

Does Hawaii require interest on security deposits?

No. Hawaii does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.

How do I get my security deposit back in Hawaii?

Document the unit, provide your forwarding address, wait 14 days, send a demand letter citing Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, and file in small claims court (limit: $5,000) if unresolved.

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