Hawaii deposit law, in plain English.
What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.
14 days.
Your landlord has 14 days after your rental agreement ends to return your deposit, or what's left of it.
§ 521-44(c)Show their work.
If they keep any of it, they have to tell you in writing why, with evidence of the costs, like estimates, invoices or receipts.
§ 521-44(c)Miss it, lose it.
Without that notice within 14 days, they can't keep any of it.
§ 521-44(c)Willful games can cost triple.
In small claims court, keeping it wrongfully and willfully can cost up to three times the amount.
§ 521-44(h)
Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.
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