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Hawaii · C2 Jurisdictional facts · 4 min read

Hawaii Security Deposit Laws: Maximum Cap, Return Timeline, and Itemized Deductions

Direct statutory answer

Hawaii's security deposit laws are governed by HB 2341, which sets a maximum cap and return timeline. Landlords must itemize deductions within 30 days of returning the deposit.

HAWAII STATUTORY RECORDSecurity Deposit Statute Hawaii Security Deposit Laws: Maximum Cap,Return Timeline, and Itemized Deductions ESCROW TRUST ACCOUNTDedicated Escrow Account• No commingling with operating funds• Bank name & address notice to tenant• Interest-bearing escrow where mandatedINITIAL DEPOSIT: $2,400.00DEDUCTION: REPAIRS -$350.00REFUND AMOUNT: $2,050.00Itemized Accounting Rules• Written line-item repair invoices• Zero deduction for normal wear & tear• Copies of contractor receipts attached30DAYS POST-VACATEStrict Accounting Window• Statement & refund postmark deadline• Delivery to tenant forwarding address• Statutory penalty for bad-faith delay

Permitting, Zoning, or Statutory Basis

Hawaii’s security deposit laws are primarily governed by HB 2341, which was enacted in 2017 and amended in 2021. This law sets forth specific requirements for landlords regarding the collection, storage, and return of security deposits. The law applies to all residential rental properties in Hawaii, regardless of their size or location.

Key Provisions

  1. Maximum Security Deposit Cap: Under HB 2341, the maximum allowable security deposit is $600 per tenant. If a property has multiple tenants, the total security deposit cannot exceed $1200. This cap is designed to protect tenants from excessive financial burdens.

  2. Return Timeline: Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out, provided there are no deductions. If deductions are necessary, landlords must provide an itemized list of the deductions within 30 days of returning the deposit. This ensures transparency and prevents landlords from retaining deposits indefinitely.

Compliance with HB 2341

To ensure compliance with HB 2341, landlords must:

  • Clearly state the security deposit amount in the lease agreement.
  • Collect only the maximum allowable amount as specified by HB 2341.
  • Return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out, unless deductions are necessary.
  • Provide an itemized list of any deductions within 30 days of returning the deposit.

Lease Clauses, Notice Periods, and Timing Requirements

Lease Agreement Requirements

When drafting or reviewing lease agreements, landlords must include specific clauses to comply with HB 2341. These clauses should:

  • Clearly state the maximum security deposit amount.
  • Include a clause stating that the landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out.
  • Provide a clause stating that landlords must provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 days if any deductions are necessary.

Notice Periods

Landlords must adhere to specific notice periods when dealing with security deposits. For example, if a tenant moves out and the landlord needs to return the deposit within 30 days, the landlord must ensure that this period is clearly communicated in the lease agreement.

Timing Requirements

Timing requirements for returning security deposits are critical to avoid legal disputes. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out, and provide an itemized list of deductions if any are necessary. Failure to meet these timing requirements can result in legal action by tenants seeking compensation for delays.

Defensible Record-Keeping & Compliance Checklist

To maintain a defensible record-keeping system and comply with Hawaii’s security deposit laws, landlords should:

  1. Keep Detailed Records: Maintain detailed records of all transactions related to security deposits, including receipts for collections and any deductions made.
  2. Document Deductions: Clearly document all deductions, including the reason for each deduction and the amount deducted.
  3. Provide Itemized Lists: Provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 days of returning the deposit.
  4. Keep Receipts for Returns: Keep receipts or proof of delivery for any returned security deposits.
  5. Review Lease Agreements: Ensure that lease agreements comply with HB 2341, including clauses regarding security deposits and notice periods.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a defensible record-keeping system, landlords can avoid legal disputes related to security deposits in Hawaii. Compliance with HB 2341 and other relevant laws is crucial for protecting both landlords and tenants.

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This guide states the statutory rule as of the date checked; it does not establish that a specific notice or deduction decision was correct, or that it will hold in court.

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Last checked 1 Oct 2026