Hawaii Security Deposit Collections & Holdings

Hawaii Security Deposit Collections & Holdings

Last Updated: March 22, 2023 by Ashley Porter

Quick Facts Answer
Maximum / Limit One Month’s Rent
Receipt Requirement None
Inventory Requirement Yes
Interest Requirement None

To learn about laws on security deposit returns in Hawaii, click here.

Maximum Security Deposit Allowed in Hawaii

Hawaii law limits the maximum security deposit to one month’s rent.

Can Landlords Charge an Additional Pet Deposit in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, landlords can charge a pet deposit, except for service dogs, therapy animals, and emotional support animals. The additional pet deposit cannot exceed one month’s rent. Thus, if a tenant has a pet, the landlord can collect up to two months’ rent as a deposit.

How Much Rent Can a Landlord Collect Upfront in Hawaii?

Landlords in Hawaii can collect the first month’s rent in advance. In addition to the first month’s rent, landlords can only collect one additional month’s rent as a security deposit, unless the tenant has a pet. Landlords cannot collect any prepaid rent beyond the first month.

Security Deposit Collections in Hawaii

Before any tenant moves in, landlords in Hawaii must provide a detailed record of the inventory and condition of the rental unit and all furnishings and appliances. However, this requirement exists whether or not the landlord collects a security deposit.

Do Landlords Have to Provide a Receipt for the Security Deposit in Hawaii?

Although some states like Washington require a receipt, landlords are not required to provide a receipt for the security deposit in Hawaii.

What Obligations Do Landlords Have to Establish the Condition at Move-in in Hawaii?

Hawaii law requires landlords to provide a detailed record of the inventory and condition of the rental unit and all furnishings and appliances. Copies of the inventory must be signed by the landlord and tenant and each tenant must receive a copy.

Security Deposit Holdings in Hawaii

Hawaii law does not require landlords to hold security deposits separate from other funds. Some other states mandate how and where security deposits are held, but Hawaii does not.

Are Tenants Entitled to Interest on Their Security Deposit in Hawaii?

Hawaii law does not require landlords to provide interest on held security deposits.

How Are Security Deposits Accounted for in Hawaii?

Security deposits are not considered taxable income when they are collected.

What Happens to a Security Deposit When the Property is Sold in Hawaii?

When a property is sold in Hawaii, the seller must transfer the security deposit along with a written accounting to the new owner, who must handle it according to the same rules.

Within 20 days after the original landlord provides a written accounting of the security deposits, their successor must send written notice to each tenant of the amount transferred.

If a new owner fails to provide written notice to each tenant, it is assumed they received one month’s rent as a security deposit for each tenant.

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