Security deposits is one of those areas often abused or misunderstood by many. In Hawaii a landlord cannot collect more than one month’s rent plus security deposit when the landlord finds a new tenant. It is also important for both the tenant and landlord to know that upon moving out of the rental unit the landlord must return the security deposit less a retained portion, which are verified in writing, to the tenant not more than 14 days after the termination of the rental agreement. Even though in the landlord’s possession a security deposit is still the renters property and the landlord cannot keep any portion of it without documenting expenses that are being withheld for cleaning and repair of damage to the apartment.