Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Hawaii, residential landlords are permitted to require tenants to pay a security deposit. According to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 521-44, the security deposit may not exceed one month's rent, excluding any pet deposit for a service animal. The deposit can be used by the landlord to cover unpaid rent, to repair damages beyond normal wear and tear, and to clean the unit to return it to the condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, except for normal wear and tear. After the lease is terminated, the landlord has 14 days to return the security deposit or provide a written notice to the tenant detailing the reasons for any deductions. If the landlord fails to comply with this deadline, they may be required to return the entire security deposit, plus damages, to the tenant.