By Benjamin Finnerty (S), REALTOR® (RS-83812) with Keller Williams Realty Maui · Kīhei, Maui · 808-481-9748

Quick Answer: Hawaiʻi landlord-tenant rules (HRS Chapter 521) cap a security deposit at one month’s rent, plus a separate pet deposit of up to one month’s rent, and require landlords to return deposits or itemize deductions within 14 days after a lease ends. Month-to-month rent increases need at least 45 days’ written notice, per the state’s 2024 landlord-tenant handbook.

I’m Benjamin Finnerty, a REALTOR® in Kīhei with Keller Williams Realty Maui, and if you’re moving to Maui and plan to rent while you look for a home to buy, these Hawaiʻi landlord-tenant rules are worth knowing before you hand over a deposit. Renting first is a smart way to learn the island, but leases here have their own rules, and Maui County’s short-term rental limits affect which rentals are legal for a stay of only a few months.

How much can a Maui landlord charge for a security deposit?

No more than one month’s rent. Hawaiʻi’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Code allows a separate pet deposit of up to one additional month’s rent if you have a pet.

When the rental agreement ends, the landlord has 14 days to return the deposit or send a written notice of what was kept and why. Deductions for cleaning or repairs must be itemized with copies of receipts, or estimates if repairs can’t be finished within those 14 days. If a court finds the landlord wrongfully and willfully kept the deposit, it may award damages equal to three times the deposit, according to the state handbook.

What notice periods apply to Maui rentals?

Here are the main timelines from the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ 2024 Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook:

Situation	Minimum written notice
Landlord ends a month-to-month rental	45 days
Tenant ends a month-to-month rental	28 days
Rent increase on a month-to-month rental	45 consecutive days
Landlord ends a rental for demolition, condo conversion or vacation-rental conversion	120 days
Landlord enters the unit (non-emergency)	2 days, at reasonable hours

A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date unless you and the landlord agree to renew, so if you need flexibility to close on a home, talk about extension or month-to-month terms before you sign.

Can I rent a Maui condo for just a few months?

Only if the rental is legal for that length of stay. Maui County generally treats stays shorter than 180 days as transient vacation rentals, which are allowed only in properties with the right zoning or permits. Many people relocating choose a lease of six to 12 months, or a furnished rental of 180 days or more. If a listing offers a 60- or 90-day stay, ask how it is permitted.

Keep in mind that Bill 9 (Ordinance 5909) phases out vacation rentals in apartment-zoned Minatoya List properties by January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 elsewhere, so the rules for a given building may change during a longer stay.

What should I do at move-in to protect my deposit?

Get the landlord’s written inventory of the unit’s condition before you move in; the landlord is required to prepare one. Walk through, note anything missing or damaged, and take dated photos. Hawaiʻi law also requires the landlord to give you, in writing, the name and address of the owner or the owner’s agent for rent and notices.

To avoid rental scams, don’t send money for a unit that you or someone you trust hasn’t seen in person, and confirm that the person renting it to you is the owner or a licensed property manager. Maui County’s real property records and the state’s license search can help.

Is there help if a rent dispute comes up?

Yes. The DCCA runs a landlord-tenant information line at 1-844-808-3222, weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Under Act 278, from February 5, 2026 through February 4, 2028, a tenant who receives an eviction notice for unpaid rent can request free mediation within 10 calendar days, and landlords must submit those notices through the Mediation Centers of Hawaiʻi website.

General information, not tax or legal advice; confirm with a CPA or Hawaiʻi attorney.

My Take: What I’m Telling People Who Rent Before Buying

Renting first gives you time to learn Maui’s microclimates, commutes and neighborhoods before you commit. My advice is to match the lease to your buying timeline. If you expect to buy within six months, ask up front for a month-to-month option after the initial term, or an early-termination clause, so a closing date doesn’t leave you paying double housing costs for long.

Treat your rental as research. Notice the electric bill, how water is billed, internet options at that address, and how a condo association handles parking, pets and maintenance. Those are the same questions you’ll ask when you buy, and having real numbers makes your purchase budget more accurate.

When you’re ready to look at buying, get pre-approved early. For more on the rental market, see renting on Maui before you buy and my new Maui resident checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a landlord in Hawaiʻi have to return a security deposit?
Fourteen days after the rental agreement ends, along with an itemized list of any deductions.

Can a Maui landlord charge a pet deposit?
Yes, up to one month’s rent, in addition to the regular security deposit of up to one month’s rent.

How much notice is needed for a rent increase on a month-to-month lease?
At least 45 consecutive days of written notice.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering?
At least two days, except in an emergency, and entry should be at reasonable hours.

Ask Benjamin

If you’re planning a move and want to map out a rent-then-buy timeline, I’m happy to help. I’m Benjamin Finnerty; call or text 808-481-9748 or email benjamin@the808team.com.

Sources: Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, 2024 Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook and Landlord-Tenant Information Center; Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 521; County of Maui (Bill 9, Ordinance 5909).