--- title: "Hawaii Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions | MCC" description: "Hawaii landlord-tenant rules: deposit capped at 1 month of rent, deposit returned within 14 days, 45-day notice to end month-to-month. Official sources linked." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/hawaii-landlord-rules" --- Free tool · Hawaii · Landlords and tenants # Hawaii landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for Hawaii, each from the state's own pages or courts. **Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in Hawaii: The balance after deductions is returned no later than 14 days after the rental agreement ends, with written notice of the reasons for keeping any part. Deposit limit: No more than one month's rent, and key or pet deposits count toward it. **Sources checked:** November 2026 **Quick answer.** Hawaii: deposit capped at 1 month of rent; deposit returned within 14 days; 45-day notice to end month-to-month; 10-day notice for unpaid rent; 48-hour entry notice; $5,000 small claims limit. 17 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 6 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check. ## Key numbers Deposit limit 1 month's rent Deposit back within 14 days Month-to-month notice (landlord) 45 days Unpaid rent notice 10 days Entry notice 48 hours Small claims limit $5,000 ## Security deposit (5 of 6 confirmed) Law read: HRS chapter 521 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Code). Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving). - ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No more than one month's rent, and key or pet deposits count toward it. Sources: [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/); [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook (2024)](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/files/2024/12/2024-Landlord-Tenant-Handbook-Final.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedReturn deadline The balance after deductions is returned no later than 14 days after the rental agreement ends, with written notice of the reasons for keeping any part. Sources: [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/); [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook (2024)](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/files/2024/12/2024-Landlord-Tenant-Handbook-Final.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions Written notice of the reasons for keeping part or all of the deposit. Sources: [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/); [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook (2024)](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/files/2024/12/2024-Landlord-Tenant-Handbook-Final.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedInterest on the deposit The Office of Consumer Protection handbook (2024) says the landlord isn't required by law to pay interest on the deposit. Sources: [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/); [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook (2024)](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/files/2024/12/2024-Landlord-Tenant-Handbook-Final.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### Not confirmedWhere the deposit is held Not confirmed — check [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/). Not stated in the 2024 Office of Consumer Protection handbook. Check HRS 521-44. - ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states Without the notice within 14 days, the landlord must return all of the deposit. Sources: [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/); [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook (2024)](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/files/2024/12/2024-Landlord-Tenant-Handbook-Final.pdf), checked November 2026 More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-HI) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=HI) ## Notice periods (6 of 6 confirmed) What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too. | Notice | Rule | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Ending month-to-month (landlord) | Written notice at least 45 days in advance; oral notice isn't enough. | Source: [Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection: Landlord-Tenant Residential Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/), checked November 2026 (HRS chapter 521) | | Ending month-to-month (tenant) | Written notice at least 28 days in advance. | Source: [Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection: Landlord-Tenant Residential Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/), checked November 2026 (HRS chapter 521) | | Rent increase notice | Month-to-month tenancy: written notice 45 consecutive days before the increase takes effect (15 consecutive days for a tenancy shorter than month-to-month). | Source: [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS 521-21 (Rent)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0521/HRS_0521-0021.htm), checked November 2026 (HRS 521-21(d), (e)) | | Unpaid rent notice | A written 10-calendar-day notice to pay the full amount owed. | Source: [Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection: Landlord-Tenant Residential Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/), checked November 2026 (HRS chapter 521) | | Entry notice | Except in an emergency, at least two days' notice before entering, and only at reasonable hours. | Source: [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook (2024)](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/files/2024/12/2024-Landlord-Tenant-Handbook-Final.pdf), checked November 2026 (HRS 521-53(b)) | | Late fee limits | A late charge can't exceed 8% of the rent due. | Source: [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS 521-21 (Rent)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0521/HRS_0521-0021.htm), checked November 2026 (HRS 521-21(f)) | More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-HI) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=HI) ## Eviction case, in order (5 of 10 confirmed) - **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: A written 10-calendar-day notice to pay the full amount owed. - **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt A summary possession case in the district court of the circuit where the rental is.To remove a tenant, the landlord must file a summary possession action in District Court. Source: [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/), checked November 2026 - #### Not confirmedFiling fee Not confirmed — check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### Not confirmedTime to answer or appear Not confirmed — check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **Hearing or trial** #### Not confirmedHearing after filing Not confirmed — check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### Not confirmedJudgment to writ Not confirmed — check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### Not confirmedWrit to lockout Not confirmed — check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout The writ goes to a sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer or an independent civil process server on the state list.sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, or independent civil process server Source: [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf), checked November 2026 - **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### ConfirmedPaying to stop the case In a nonpayment case the writ is stayed if, before it issues, the tenant pays the rent due with 8% interest plus the costs of the case and the landlord's expenses, including a reasonable attorney fee.before the writ is actually issued, pays the rent due and interest thereon at the rate of eight per cent a year Source: [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) A mediation step before filing: if mediation is scheduled during the 10-day nonpayment notice, the landlord generally waits 20 calendar days before filing.If mediation is scheduled within that 10-day period, the landlord generally must wait until 20 calendar days Source: [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/), checked November 2026 The chapter text read is the 2017 compilation on the Legislature's site; check the current HRS 666 for later changes. More: [Eviction process timeline by state](/tools/eviction-process-timeline-by-state) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=hi) ## Deposit disputes: small claims - ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $5,000: the most a small claims case can ask for.Up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. Also residential security deposit disputes, return of leased or rented personal property worth $5,000 or less, and removal of shopping carts. Counterclaims up to $40,000.Filing fee to start a case: $35. Source: [Hawaii State Judiciary: Small Claims](https://www.courts.state.hi.us/small_claims), checked November 2026 More: [Hawaii small claims court](/tools/small-claims-hawaii) ## Still to confirm - Where the deposit is held: check [Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code](https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord-tenant-residential-code/) - Filing fee: check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf) - Time to answer or appear: check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf) - Hearing after filing: check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf) - Judgment to writ: check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf) - Writ to lockout: check [Hawaii State Legislature: HRS Chapter 666, Landlord and Tenant (2017 compilation)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2017/HRS-Chapter-PDF%27s/HRS_0666.pdf) General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word. ## Common questions **How much can a security deposit be in Hawaii?** No more than one month's rent, and key or pet deposits count toward it. **How long does a Hawaii landlord have to return a deposit?** The balance after deductions is returned no later than 14 days after the rental agreement ends, with written notice of the reasons for keeping any part. What goes with it: Written notice of the reasons for keeping part or all of the deposit. **How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Hawaii?** From the landlord: Written notice at least 45 days in advance; oral notice isn't enough. From the tenant: Written notice at least 28 days in advance. **What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in Hawaii?** A written 10-calendar-day notice to pay the full amount owed. **How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in Hawaii?** Except in an emergency, at least two days' notice before entering, and only at reasonable hours. **Can a Hawaii deposit dispute go to small claims court?** The small claims limit in our data: $5,000: the most a small claims case can ask for. The court's own page explains what kinds of cases it hears. Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords) ## Keep rental records in order [Bookkeeping for small landlords](/bookkeeping/for/small-landlords)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)