Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Hawaii

Hawaii: return the deposit within 14 calendar days of the end of the tenancy. Interest: no. Penalty if the violation is willful or intentional: 3x the amount withheld. (Haw. Rev. Stat. 521-44)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 14 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, cleaning to move in condition, lease break fee, unpaid utilities. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 3x the amount withheld if the violation is willful or intentional.
Deposit cap: 1 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

The security deposit, or the portion of the security deposit remaining after the landlord has claimed and retained amounts authorized under this section, if any, shall be returned to the tenant not later than fourteen days after the termination of the rental agreement.

Haw. Rev. Stat. 521-44(c). Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes 521-44 Security deposits, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

capitol.hawaii.gov blocks automated fetches (Cloudflare); text read on FindLaw (current as of 2025-01-01). Key-fob and pet-deposit wording are recent additions; the enacting Acts and dates were not verified.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 14, 2026
14 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,650.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $350.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Haw. Rev. Stat. 521-44 (Hawaii)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Cleaning                               -$150.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,650.00
Refund due to tenant                               $350.00
Return by                                   October 14, 2026

Notes:
- Written notice with particulars and grounds and written evidence of costs: estimates or invoices for materials and services, receipts for cleaning supplies or charges (521-44(c)). No dollar threshold.
- Itemized under Haw. Rev. Stat. 521-44.

Settle a deposit in Hawaii

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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