State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Hawaii Security Deposit Laws
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 521-44, Hawaii landlords must return security deposits within 14 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld.
Quick Answer
In Hawaii, landlords have 14 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is 1 month's rent. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $5,000) and may recover Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 521-44. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Hawaii Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 14 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $5,000without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $800-2,5005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Mold/Mildew Treatment
Typical: $200-800May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Hawaii deposit: $2,200 · Potential 115x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Hawaii landlord have to return my deposit?
Hawaii landlords must return your deposit within 14 days—one of the shortest deadlines in the U.S. Bad faith withholding can result in 3x damages.
What is the maximum security deposit in Hawaii?
Hawaii caps deposits at 1 month's rent—no exceptions. Pet deposits are included in this cap.
What if my Hawaii landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
You can recover up to 3x the amount wrongfully withheld. File in Small Claims Court (up to $5,000) or District Court for larger amounts.
City-Specific Rules
Some Hawaii cities have additional tenant protections:
- Honolulu: High rental costs but strong tenant protections. Housing mediation services available.
Official Resources
- Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection(Government)
- Legal Aid Society of Hawaii(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Hawaii's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Hawaii Revised Statutes § 521-44 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527