Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Hawaii landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Hawaii Revised Statutes 521). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Hawaii at a glance: Security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. Return deadline: 14 days. Month-to-month notice: 28 days. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes 521.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Return deadline
- 14 days
- Interest required
- No statutory requirement
The rule: Max 1 month's rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one more month where a pet is allowed. Within 14 days after the rental agreement ends the landlord must return the deposit or send written notice of deductions with evidence such as estimates, invoices or receipts, or lose the right to keep any of it (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 5 days notice
- Lease violation
- 10 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 28 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- No statutory requirement
- Maximum late fee
- 8% of rent
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control
- Landlord entry notice
- 2 days
Primary statute reference: Hawaii Revised Statutes 521
Sources
When to use Hawaii document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Hawaii landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Hawaii documents.
Common mistakes in Hawaii
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (14 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
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In Hawaii the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The return deadline is 14 days. Max 1 month's rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one more month where a pet is allowed. Within 14 days after the rental agreement ends the landlord must return the deposit or send written notice of deductions with evidence such as estimates, invoices or receipts, or lose the right to keep any of it (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44).
Confirm current rules in Hawaii Revised Statutes 521.
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Hawaii month-to-month tenancies typically require 28 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Hawaii lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Hawaii sources before relying on this information.
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