Skip to content
DepositClaimNow

Hawaii security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Hawaii, a landlord has 14 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44). Under Hawaii law, a landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit can owe up to three times the amount withheld.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

14

days for a Hawaii landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

The landlord must return the deposit, or give written notice of the reasons for keeping any part of it, within 14 days after the rental agreement ends.

What the landlord must send you

Written notice of the particulars and grounds for keeping any amount, with written evidence of the costs, such as estimates, invoices or receipts.

If the landlord misses the deadline

A landlord who misses the 14-day notice loses the right to keep any of the deposit and must return all of it (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44).

Penalty for wrongful withholding

For wrongful and willful retention, a court may award three times the amount wrongfully retained, plus the cost of suit (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44).

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

Free deposit check

Five quick answers. No sign-up. Takes about a minute.

Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

Hawaii security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Hawaii?

The landlord must return the deposit, or give written notice of the reasons for keeping any part of it, within 14 days after the rental agreement ends.

What must a Hawaii landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

Written notice of the particulars and grounds for keeping any amount, with written evidence of the costs, such as estimates, invoices or receipts.

What happens if a Hawaii landlord misses the deadline?

A landlord who misses the 14-day notice loses the right to keep any of the deposit and must return all of it (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44).

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Hawaii?

For wrongful and willful retention, a court may award three times the amount wrongfully retained, plus the cost of suit (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44).

How do I get my security deposit back in Hawaii?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 14 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

Related guides

Other states