Hawaii Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Hawaii security deposit demand letter that follows Hawaii law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Hawaii law says
| Deposit return deadline | 14 days after the rental agreement ends. Source: HRS § 521-44(c) |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Written notice of the particulars and grounds for any retention, with written evidence of costs (estimates, invoices, receipts), within 14 days. If the landlord fails to do so, it may not keep any of the deposit and must return all of it. Source: HRS § 521-44(c) |
| Penalty for withholding | Wrongful and wilful retention: court may award up to 3 times the amount wrongfully and wilfully retained, plus costs. Wrongful (not wilful) retention: the amount wrongfully retained plus costs. Source: HRS § 521-44(h) |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Defined by statute: 'normal wear and tear' means deterioration or depreciation in value by ordinary and reasonable use, but does not include items missing from the unit. The deposit may be used for tenant damage beyond that, unpaid rent, unreturned keys/fobs/openers, cleaning the unit to return it to the condition at move-in, damage by an allowed pet (from the separate pet deposit), and unpaid landlord-provided utilities. Cleaning charges must be supported with written evidence such as receipts or cleaning-service charges. Painting and carpet are not specifically addressed. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under HRS § 521-44(c), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by HRS § 521-44(h).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
Security Deposit Demand Letter templates for other states · All Hawaii landlord-tenant rules · Free legal help in Hawaii
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.