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States/Hawaii/Security Deposit
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Hawaii Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Hawaii generally limits the ordinary security deposit to one month’s rent, allows an additional pet security deposit up to one month’s rent for a permitted pet subject to assistance-animal rules, and requires any retained amount to be supported with written notice and cost evidence within 14 days after termination.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited
Base security cap1 month’s rent

Separate pet-security provision may apply.

Return / notice14 days

After termination of the rental agreement.

Tenant recovery actionWithin 1 year

For recovery of retained security.

What to preserve

  • Lease and deposit receipts.
  • Pet-deposit documentation, if any.
  • Termination date.
  • Written withholding notice.
  • Receipts, estimates or invoices.
  • Proof of mailing or acknowledgment.
  • Move-in and move-out condition evidence.
Hawaii’s 14-day rule is documentation-heavy. Check the actual termination date, written notice, cost evidence and proof of mailing. Educational information only.

Official sources

Hawaii State LegislatureHRS § 521-44 — Security deposits ↗

Current Hawaii statute covering deposit limits, pet security, allowable uses, 14-day notice/refund, proof of mailing and small-claims remedies.

Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer AffairsResidential Landlord-Tenant Code — Security Deposits ↗

Official Hawaii consumer guidance summarizing the security-deposit rules and documentation expectations.

Related Hawaii guides

1-Month Limit →Pet Deposit →14-Day Rule →Itemization & Evidence →