Hawaii Security Deposit Laws
A complete guide to Hawaii residential security deposit limits, the pet deposit exception, and the strict 14-day return deadline.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Hawaii Security Deposit Laws
In Hawaii, the handling of residential security deposits is strictly regulated by the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS § 521-44), which was enacted in 1972. Landlords must strictly adhere to maximum caps and aggressive return deadlines, or risk forfeiting their right to keep any portion of the deposit.
Maximum Deposit Limits
Hawaii law dictates that a residential landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit in an amount greater than one month's rent.
This limit includes any deposits for keys, furniture, or general security. However, Hawaii offers a specific, notable exception for pets.
The Pet Deposit Exception
In addition to the standard one-month security deposit, a Hawaii landlord can legally charge an additional pet deposit.
- The pet deposit cannot exceed one month's rent.
- Therefore, if a tenant has a pet, the total maximum deposit a landlord can collect is two months' rent (one for security, one for the pet).
- Crucial Exemption: Landlords cannot charge a pet deposit for service animals or emotional support animals that assist individuals with disabilities, in accordance with federal and state fair housing laws.
Allowable Deductions
A landlord can only use the security deposit for specific reasons outlined in state law at the end of the tenancy. Deducting for "normal wear and tear" (the natural deterioration of a property over time from ordinary use) is strictly prohibited.
Legal deductions include:
- Reimbursing the landlord for unpaid rent.
- Repairing damages to the unit caused by the tenant, their guests, or pets (beyond normal wear and tear).
- Cleaning the unit-or paying for professional cleaning-if the tenant fails to return the unit in the same level of cleanliness as when they moved in.
- Compensating the landlord for unreturned keys.
- Compensating the landlord for damages caused if a tenant wrongfully quits the rental unit without proper notice.
- Compensating the landlord for moneys owed for utility service provided by the landlord but not included in the rent.
The 14-Day Return Rule
When the rental agreement terminates, the clock starts ticking fast. Hawaii has one of the shortest deposit return windows in the United States.
The landlord has exactly 14 days after the termination date to:
- Return the security deposit in full, OR
- Provide the tenant with a written notice detailing the reasons for any amount retained, accompanied by the remaining balance of the deposit.
Itemized Receipts Required: In Hawaii, the written notice must be accompanied by copies of receipts for cleaning, repairs, or materials used to justify the deductions. If repairs cannot be completed within the 14 days, the landlord must provide written estimates within the 14 days and substitute them with actual receipts within 30 days after the date the repair is completed.
Penalty for Missing the 14-Day Deadline
If a landlord fails to mail the itemized notice and the balance of the deposit within the 14-day window, the landlord completely forfeits the right to keep any part of the security deposit. The tenant can sue in small claims court to recover the full amount, regardless of how much damage they actually caused to the unit.
Best Practices for Hawaii Landlords
- Document the Move-In Condition: To prove the tenant failed to return the unit to its initial cleanliness (a common deduction), you must have a meticulously detailed, signed move-in condition report, complete with date-stamped photographs or video.
- Pre-Schedule Vendors: Because the 14-day window is incredibly tight, schedule cleaners and repair technicians to arrive the day after the tenant vacates so you can secure receipts before the deadline.
- Use Certified Mail: Always mail the deposit and the itemized list via certified mail with a return receipt. The law considers the 14-day requirement met if the letter is postmarked within 14 days, even if it arrives later.
How Landager Can Help
Don't lose valid damage claims just because you missed a tight deadline. Landager tracks tenant move-out dates and sends you automated reminders to process the security deposit before the 14-day Hawaii deadline expires. Furthermore, our integrated digital move-in checklists ensure you have the photographic evidence required to justify any necessary deductions legally.
How Landager Helps
Landager tracks lease terms, ensures timely notices, and maintains secure compliance records - making it easy to stay compliant with Hawaii regulations.
Back to Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What are the Hawaii security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Hawaii has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
▶What are the Hawaii landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Residential rentals in the Aloha State are governed primarily by the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (Hawaii Revised Statutes [HRS] Chapter 521). This manage statute outlines the mutual rights and obligations of both property owners and their tenants, ensuring fair housing practices across the islands. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Hawaii eviction process and how long does it take?
The Hawaii eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Hawaii. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Hawaii rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Hawaii has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Hawaii has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Hawaii?
Hawaii has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Hawaii state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What disclosures must Hawaii landlords provide to tenants?
Hawaii landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Hawaii lease requirements for rental properties?
Hawaii recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Hawaii law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Hawaii landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Hawaii landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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