All states › Hawaii
Hawaii Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 14 days |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | 1 month, plus optional pet deposit up to 1 month |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | Forfeiture; up to 3x for willful retention |
| Statute | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44 |
Hawaii deadline calculator
Room-by-room condition report: 12 rooms, 99 items, move-in and move-out columns, signature lines, and tips that win deposit disputes. Works for Hawaii rentals. PDF, 5 pages, no sign-up.
Download the free PDF
What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
DepositDay walks you through the move-in and move-out inspection with timestamped photos, counts down your Hawaii deadline from move-out day, and writes the itemized deduction letter.
Start a free inspection
Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Hawaii?
Under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, a Hawaii landlord has 14 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions.
What is the maximum security deposit in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the security deposit limit is 1 month, plus optional pet deposit up to 1 month.
What happens if a Hawaii landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Hawaii: forfeiture; up to 3x for willful retention. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.