Hawaii security deposit law
Did your landlord keep your deposit? Here's what Hawaii law requires — and what they owe you if they broke it.
Return deadline
14 days
Max penalty
3x withheld
Small claims limit
$5,000.00
The deadline
Under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, your landlord must return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 14 days after you move out.
If they miss it or withhold in bad faith
Up to three times the deposit for willful retention.
Deductions that usually aren't allowed
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes)
- Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants
- Damage that existed before you moved in
- Charges with no receipts or itemization
How to get it back
Send a formal demand letter by certified mail citing Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44, give the landlord 14 days to pay, then file in Hawaii small claims court (up to $5,000.00) if they don't.
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We'll check your dates and every deduction against Hawaii law and show what you're owed.
Run Hawaii auditInformational only, not legal advice. Verify current law before relying on it.