Landlord Not Returning Security Deposit in Hawaii: What to Do

Your Hawaii Landlord Missed the Deadline: Here's What to Do

Under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44, your landlord had 14 days to return your deposit after move-out. If that window has passed, you have legal options, and the law is on your side.

1
Check the deadline
Your Hawaii landlord had 14 days after your move-out date to return your deposit. If that window has passed without a full refund or a proper itemized statement, you likely have a valid claim.
2
Gather your documentation
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any written communications with your landlord, and your forwarding address record. The more documentation you have, the stronger your position.
3
Run a free analysis
Use our free tool to input your situation. We'll analyze your claim against Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44 and tell you exactly what violations occurred, how much you may be owed, and how much time you have left to act.
4
Send a demand letter
A formal demand letter citing the specific statute often prompts landlords to pay without going to court. Our $19 package generates a personalized letter referencing Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44 and calculates exactly what you're owed.
5
File in small claims if needed
If your landlord ignores the demand letter, Hawaii small claims court handles disputes up to $5,000. No attorney is required. Filing fees are typically under $100, and judges regularly rule in tenants' favor on clear deadline violations.

Hawaii Penalty: Full deposit forfeiture

Under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44(c), a landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to any deductions, even ones that might otherwise have been valid.

Legal Reference

Wear & Tear Protected

Primary StatuteHaw. Rev. Stat. §521-44

Penalty StatuteHaw. Rev. Stat. §521-44(c)

Small Claims Limit$5,000

Statute of Limitations6 years

Questions

Common questions answered.

Your Hawaii landlord has 14 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44.

If your landlord misses the 14-day deadline, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44(c), even deductions that might otherwise have been valid.

No. Hawaii law under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.

If the 14-day deadline under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44 has passed, you can: (1) send a written demand letter citing the statute, (2) file in Hawaii small claims court (up to $5,000), or (3) contact a tenant rights organization. Most cases settle after a formal demand letter.

No. Once the 14-day deadline has passed under Haw. Rev. Stat. §521-44, your landlord cannot retroactively extend it. The penalties for missing the deadline apply regardless of the landlord's reasons.

Hawaii Landlord Not Returning Security Deposit

Your Hawaii Landlord Missed the Deadline: Here's What to Do

Hawaii Penalty: Full deposit forfeiture

Common questions answered.

Find Out What Your Hawaii Landlord May Owe You.