Security deposit law · Hawaii

Hawaii Security Deposit Law: How to Get Your Deposit Back

If you rent in Hawaii, the law gives you specific rights when you move out — a deadline for your landlord to return your deposit, rules on deductions, and a path to push back if they don't. Here's exactly how it works, and how to protect yourself.

Return deadline14 days
Governing statuteHaw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44
Deposit limit1 month of rent
Itemized deductionsRequired
Interest on depositNot required by statute
Last reviewedMay 2026

Hawaii-specific rules to know

Deposit capped at 1 month's rent. Return within 14 days with itemised written statement of deductions. Bad-faith retention: 3× wrongfully withheld amount + attorney fees.

What Hawaii law requires your landlord to do

Under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, a Hawaii landlord generally must return your deposit within 14 days and provide a written, itemized list of any amounts withheld. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear — only for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and statute allow.

What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit in Hawaii

  1. 1. Know your deadline

    In Hawaii, the return window is 14 days (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44). Mark the date you moved out and count forward.

  2. 2. Send a written demand

    Email and mail a dated letter requesting your full deposit, referencing the 14-day deadline under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44. Keep proof of delivery. Renter's Vault generates a Hawaii-specific letter with the right statute citation filled in.

  3. 3. Gather your evidence

    Move-in and move-out photos with timestamps and location are the difference between your word and theirs. Attach your photo record and any move-in checklist.

  4. 4. Escalate to small claims

    If the landlord misses the deadline or won't respond, you can file in small claims court. Bring your dated demand letter and photo evidence.

Free Hawaii dispute-letter guide

A clear, statute-cited demand letter resolves most deposit disputes without ever going to court. Renter's Vault builds a Hawaii letter for you — pre-filled with Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, your deadline, and your deductions — in three escalating versions (first request, formal demand, and notice of intent to file).

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Hawaii security deposit FAQ

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

Under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, a Hawaii landlord must return your security deposit within 14 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Hawaii?

Send a written demand letter that cites Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44 and the deadline, keep copies of all communication and your move-in/move-out photos, and if that fails you can file in small claims court. Many states allow extra damages when a landlord withholds a deposit in bad faith.

Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the statutory deposit limit is: 1 month of rent. Always confirm against the current statute, since limits and exceptions change.

Are there any special deposit rules in Hawaii?

Yes. Notable Hawaii rules: Deposit capped at 1 month's rent. Return within 14 days with itemised written statement of deductions. Bad-faith retention: 3× wrongfully withheld amount + attorney fees.

This page is general information for tenants, not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm the current text of Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44 or consult a local attorney or tenants' rights organization for your situation. Last reviewed May 2026.