Security Deposit Laws in Hawaii
Hawaii caps the security deposit at one month's rent (plus an optional pet deposit of up to one month), requires return within 14 days after the tenancy ends, and requires two days' notice before landlord entry.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Hawaii at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- 1 month's rent
- 1 month's rent (plus an optional pet deposit up to 1 month's rent)
- Deposit return deadline
- 14 days
- 14 days after termination of the rental agreement
- Interest on deposits
- Not required by state law
- Some cities have their own interest rules
- Notice before landlord entry
- 48 hours
- 2 days' notice
The rules in Hawaii
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Hawaii?
Hawaii limits security deposits to 1 month's rent (plus an optional pet deposit up to 1 month's rent).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Hawaii?
Hawaii rule: 14 days after termination of the rental agreement.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii state law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Some cities have their own rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Hawaii?
Hawaii rule: 2 days' notice.
Where do the Hawaii rules for residential leases come from?
They come from Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection, Landlord-Tenant Residential Code and Hawaii OCP, Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Hawaii compares
Hawaii is one of 30 jurisdictions that cap deposits by law. Its 14-day return deadline is shorter than the most common deadline of 30 days; no state requires a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.