State rules
Hawaii Security Deposit Rules
Landlord obligations under Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 521-44, 521-21(f)
Deposit limit
1 month's rent
1 month's rent, plus an agreed pet deposit of up to 1 additional month (pet animals only — never for assistance animals)
How the deposit limit varies
| Scenario | Maximum deposit | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Base deposit | 1 month's rent | — |
| Pet deposit add-on | up to 1 additional month's rent | an amount agreed upon by landlord and tenant, only for a tenant keeping a pet animal; not chargeable for an assistance animal that is a reasonable accommodation under § 515-3 (§ 521-44(b)) |
- At the start of a rental agreement the landlord may not require or receive ANY money other than the first month's rent and the § 521-44 deposit — prepaid rent cannot be stacked on top (§ 521-44(b)).
- Verified unamended since Act 29 (2015). A circulating "2 months for furnished units" claim has no basis in the statute (refute pass re-checked every amendment list 2022–2026).
Source: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44(b) (1 month + agreed pet add-on ≤ 1 month), for the figures shown above. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a Hawaii attorney for specific guidance.
Deposit limit verified against Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-44(b) (1 month + agreed pet add-on ≤ 1 month) as of Jul 27, 2026.