Hawaii Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 14 calendar days after termination of tenancy and tenant vacating.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 14 calendar days, you may be entitled to landlord may be liable for wrongful withholding plus court costs and attorney fees under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44(c).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1 month rent
- Itemization required: Within 14 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $5,000
Additional Protections
- Deposit capped at 1 month rent
- Landlord must return deposit with itemized list within 14 days
What Your Hawaii Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Hawaii's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
14 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
landlord may be liable for wrongful withholding plus court costs and attorney fees — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Hawaii Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Hawaii?
Under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44, your landlord has 14 calendar days after termination of tenancy and tenant vacating to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Hawaii landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to landlord may be liable for wrongful withholding plus court costs and attorney fees under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44(c). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Hawaii?
Under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44(b), the maximum security deposit in Hawaii is 1 month rent.
Does my Hawaii landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Hawaii law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 14 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii small claims court handles cases up to $5,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Hawaii?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Hawaii-specific demand letter citing Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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