Hawaii Security Deposit Return Letter

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter, must be within 14 calendar days after termination and vacating]]

To (Former Tenant(s)):
[[Former Tenant 1 Full Legal Name]]
[[Former Tenant 2 Full Legal Name, if applicable]]
Forwarding Address: [[Tenant Forwarding Address for deposit mailing]]

From (Landlord / Property Manager):
[[Landlord or Authorized Agent Full Legal Name]]
Mailing Address for notices: [[Landlord Full Mailing Address]]
Phone: [[Phone]] | Email: [[Email]]

Premises Formerly Occupied:
[[Street Address, Unit Number]]
[[City]], Hawaii [[ZIP Code]]

Tenancy Termination Date: [[Date tenancy ended / keys returned]]

Date Keys / Possession Returned: [[Date Tenant returned all keys and vacated]]

Security Deposit Amount Received: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]

Pet Deposit (if any): $[[Pet Deposit Amount or "N/A"]]

Total Deposit Held: $[[Total Deposits Held]], -

Dear [[Tenant Name(s)]]:

This letter constitutes the accounting and return of your security deposit (and any pet deposit) for the above Premises in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes §521-44.

Under HRS §521-44, a landlord may require a security deposit not exceeding one (1) month's rent (plus, by agreement, up to one additional month's rent for a permitted pet). The landlord must return the deposit, together with an itemized written statement of any deductions, within fourteen (14) calendar days after the termination of the tenancy and the tenant's vacating the Premises and returning possession and all keys.

Failure by the landlord to provide the itemized statement and return the deposit (or balance) within the 14-day period forfeits the landlord's right to make any deductions from the deposit.

We conducted a move-out inspection. A copy of the move-in / move-out condition checklist (Exhibit A) and any photos or supporting documentation for deductions are available upon request.

Option A, Full Return (No Deductions)

If no deductions apply:

We are returning your full security deposit (and pet deposit, if any) in the amount of $[[Full Amount Returned]].

Payment method: [[Check enclosed #XXXX mailed with this letter / Electronic transfer initiated on [[Date]] to account on file / Other, describe]].

No itemized deductions are claimed. The Premises was returned in acceptable condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

Option B, Itemized Deductions and Partial or No Return

If deductions apply, the following itemized statement is provided:

Summary:

Itemized Deductions (with amounts and supporting documentation):

1. Unpaid Rent: $[[Amount]] for the period [[Month/Period]], reason: [[e.g., final month rent not paid]]
Supporting: [[Rent ledger excerpt / invoice reference]]

2. Cleaning to restore Premises to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted): $[[Amount]]
Description: [[e.g., professional carpet cleaning of pet stains beyond normal wear; detailed cleaning of kitchen/bath]]
Supporting: [[Receipt / estimate / invoice dated [[Date]] from [[Vendor]]]]

3. Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear: $[[Amount]]
Description: [[e.g., repair of holes in drywall, replacement of broken window, repair of damaged door]]
Supporting: [[Receipts / contractor invoice / photos]]

4. Unpaid utilities for which Tenant was responsible: $[[Amount]]
Supporting: [[Final bill from utility company]]

5. Other permitted deduction (describe specifically): $[[Amount]]
Supporting: [[Documentation]]

Total Deductions: $[[Sum]]

Net Balance: $[[Calculation]]

Supporting documentation (receipts, invoices, estimates, photos, ledgers) for any deduction is attached or available upon request. For deductions over any applicable threshold, copies of receipts or invoices are provided as required.

Payment of Balance Returned: [[Check #XXXX in the amount of $[[Balance]] is enclosed / Electronic payment of $[[Balance]] initiated [[Date]] to the account or address you provided / Mailed via USPS certified on [[Date]]]].

If a balance is due from you, please remit payment within [[X days]] to the address above to avoid further collection action.

Forwarding Address Confirmation

Please confirm or update your forwarding address for any future correspondence or tax forms:

[[Current Forwarding Address Provided Above / Updated Address: ________________________]]

Important Legal Notice Regarding Timing and Forfeiture

This letter and any payment or statement are being provided within the 14-calendar-day period required by HRS §521-44. If you believe the timing or accounting does not comply, you may contact us in writing at the address above or pursue remedies available under Hawaii law, including recovery of the deposit, penalties, and attorney fees where permitted.

Any action for recovery of a retained deposit must generally be brought within one year after termination of the tenancy.

Move-Out Inspection and Condition

A move-out inspection was performed on [[Date]]. You were [[offered the opportunity to be present / present / not present]].

The attached or referenced Move-In/Move-Out Checklist (Exhibit A) and photos document the condition. Ordinary wear and tear (e.g., minor nail holes, faded paint, normal carpet wear) is not charged. Charges are limited to damage beyond that standard or unpaid obligations.

Contact for Questions

If you have questions about this accounting or the condition of the Premises, please contact:

[[Landlord / Agent Name]]
Phone: [[Phone]]
Email: [[Email]]
Mailing: [[Full Address]]

We appreciate your tenancy and wish you the best in your future housing.

Sincerely,

[[Landlord or Agent Signature Line]]

_______________________________________________
[[Landlord / Authorized Agent Printed Name]]
Date: [[Date]]

Enclosures (as applicable):

• Check or proof of electronic payment
• Itemized receipts / invoices / estimates
• Photos documenting deductions (if used)
• Copy of Move-In/Move-Out Condition Checklist
• Copy of final utility statements (if applicable), -

Quick Reference, Hawaii Security Deposit Rules (HRS §521-44) for Landlords and Tenants

1. Cap: Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent. Separate pet deposit up to one additional month permitted by written agreement.

2. Permitted uses: Unpaid rent; repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear; cleaning necessary to return unit to move-in condition (ordinary wear excepted); other amounts Tenant is obligated to pay under the rental agreement (e.g., certain utilities).

3. Return deadline: 14 calendar days after tenancy ends and tenant vacates and returns keys/possession.

4. Itemization: If any amount is withheld, landlord must provide a written itemized statement of deductions together with the balance (if any).

5. Documentation: For deductions, supporting receipts or invoices should be provided, especially for larger amounts.

6. Forfeiture: Landlord who fails to return the deposit and provide the required statement within 14 days loses the right to withhold any portion for deductions.

7. Tenant remedies: Tenant may sue for return of deposit, plus in some cases damages, costs, and attorney fees.

8. Record retention: Landlord should retain copies of this letter, proofs of delivery, receipts, photos, and the checklist for at least one year., -

Sources and Verification (as of June 2026)

• Hawaii Revised Statutes §521-44 (security deposits, amount, permissible uses, 14-day return requirement, itemization, forfeiture for untimely return).

• Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Chapter 521) generally, including definitions of ordinary wear and tenant obligations.

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection Landlord-Tenant Handbook and forms (current guidance).

• Related remedies and procedures under HRS Chapter 666 (summary possession) and general civil practice.

> ⚠️ Template, not professional (legal/financial/medical) advice. This is a template only. Deadlines, caps, and procedures must be verified against current HRS §521-44 and the specific facts of the tenancy. Consult a Hawaii-licensed attorney or the Office of Consumer Protection if disputes arise. [[Merge Fields]] indicate user-supplied values. Use actual supporting documentation for any deductions., -

End of Hawaii Security Deposit Return Letter