Hawaii caps deposits at one month (plus optional pet deposit). Landlords have 14 days to refund and itemize. No interest or separate account required — the statute explicitly allows commingling while protecting tenant priority.
Last verified: 2026-10-10
Max deposit
1
months' rent
Return deadline
14
days after tenancy ends
Interest required
No
not required
Separate account
No
Maximum Security Deposit
1 month's rent
Plus agreed pet deposit up to one additional month; pet deposit cannot be required for a qualifying disability-assistance animal.
Return Deadline
14 days
After termination of the rental agreement; deduction notice and supporting information due within the same period.
Interest on Deposit
Not required
HRS §521-44 contains no tenant-interest requirement.
Separate Account Required
Not required
§521-44(b) expressly protects tenant's priority claim even if deposits are commingled.
⚖️ Permitted Deductions
Tenant-caused damage; unpaid rent; failure to return keys/access devices; cleaning to initial condition; damages from wrongful quitting; pet damage; landlord-provided utilities owed under agreement.
📋 Official Source
The information on this page is sourced from the primary Hawaii statute. Always verify against the current official text before making decisions.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Hawaii?
Hawaii law limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Plus agreed pet deposit up to one additional month; pet deposit cannot be required for a qualifying disability-assistance animal.
How long does a landlord have to return the security deposit in Hawaii?
Hawaii landlords must return the security deposit — or provide a written itemized statement of deductions — within 14 days after the tenancy ends. After termination of the rental agreement; deduction notice and supporting information due within the same period.
Does Hawaii require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
No. Hawaii law does not require landlords to pay interest to tenants on security deposits. HRS §521-44 contains no tenant-interest requirement.
Must Hawaii landlords keep security deposits in a separate bank account?
No. Hawaii law does not require a separate bank account for security deposits. §521-44(b) expressly protects tenant's priority claim even if deposits are commingled.
Automate security deposit compliance
Property management software handles deposit tracking, deadline reminders, itemized deduction statements, and compliant separate account requirements automatically — so you never miss a Hawaii deadline.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Security deposit laws change — always verify the current statute or consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii before making decisions. Official source: https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0521/HRS_0521-0044.htm. Last reviewed: 2026-10-10.