Hawaii security deposit rules
Hawaii limits security deposits to 1 month's rent, plus an optional pet deposit of up to 1 additional month's rent if the tenant keeps a pet (not for assistance animals). The deposit must be returned 14 days after termination of the rental agreement, with written notice and itemization of any amounts retained; failure to meet the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to retain any part of the deposit. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
1 month's rent, plus an optional pet deposit of up to 1 additional month's rent if the tenant keeps a pet (not for assistance animals). Returned 14 days after termination of the rental agreement, with written notice and itemization of any amounts retained; failure to meet the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to retain any part of the deposit. Statute does not require interest on deposits. Wrongful retention: deposit plus up to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus costs. The official capitol.hawaii.gov statute pages returned HTTP 403, so statute text was read from the Findlaw code mirror (labelled current through Jan. 1, 2025). No 2024-2026 changes to § 521-44 identified.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 14-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Pets: Landlord may require an additional pet deposit of up to one month's rent for a pet animal; it may not be charged for tenants without pets or for assistance animals (HRS § 521-44(b)).
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing HRS § 521-44. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Hawaii rules
- Late fees: Late charge may not exceed 8% of the amount of rent due. No statutory grace period. Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: Landlord must give at least 45 days' written notice; tenant must give at least 28 days' written notice. 120 days if the unit is to be demolished or converted; 10 days for tenancies of less than month-to-month. Nonpayment: 10 calendar days' written notice (Act 278, SLH 2025, effective Feb. 5, 2026, replacing the former 5-business-day notice); the notice also goes to a free mediation center and, if the tenant schedules mediation within the 10 days, the landlord must wait 20 calendar days from receipt before filing. The mediation pilot is scheduled to sunset Feb. 4, 2028. Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Hawaii landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Hawaii?
1 month's rent, plus an optional pet deposit of up to 1 additional month's rent if the tenant keeps a pet (not for assistance animals). Statute does not require interest on deposits. Wrongful retention: deposit plus up to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus costs. The official capitol.hawaii.gov statute pages returned HTTP 403, so statute text was read from the Findlaw code mirror (labelled current through Jan. 1, 2025). No 2024-2026 changes to § 521-44 identified.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Hawaii?
14 days after termination of the rental agreement, with written notice and itemization of any amounts retained; failure to meet the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to retain any part of the deposit. The statute is HRS § 521-44.
Does a Hawaii landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Hawaii law does not require interest on residential security deposits.
Are pet deposits limited in Hawaii?
Landlord may require an additional pet deposit of up to one month's rent for a pet animal; it may not be charged for tenants without pets or for assistance animals (HRS § 521-44(b)).