Landlord Tenant Laws in Hawaii (HI)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Hawaii's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-1 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of B (Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Hawaii's Residential Landlord-Tenant Code provides moderate tenant protections. Tenants may withhold rent for habitability issues. Landlord must maintain the property in a habitable condition. Hawaii has some of the highest rents in the nation.
Security Deposit Rules in Hawaii
Hawaii limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Hawaii
In Hawaii, a landlord must provide 5 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 28 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Hawaii.
Tenant Rights in Hawaii
Tenants in Hawaii have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Hawaii
Hawaii does not have rent control at the state level, nor does it explicitly preempt local adoption. However, no municipalities currently have rent control ordinances in effect.
Landlord Obligations in Hawaii
Landlords in Hawaii are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 2 days notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 14 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Hawaii
Many cities in Hawaii have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 3 major cities.
Honolulu
Honolulu follows state law. The city has a housing code and enforcement. High cost of living makes tenant protections particularly important.
Hilo
Hawaii County follows state landlord-tenant code without local additions.
Kailua
Part of Honolulu County. Follows state law.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Hawaii scores 72 out of 100, earning a grade of B (Tenant-Friendly).
How Hawaii Compares
Below is a comparison of Hawaii with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Hawaii falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (HI) | 72 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | No Rent Control |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 71 | B | 1 month's rent | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Oregon (OR) | 71 | B | No statutory limit (but must be refundable) | 10 days | Statewide Rent Control |
| Maryland (MD) | 69 | B | 2 months' rent | 10 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Delaware (DE) | 76 | A | 1 month's rent (no pet deposit limit beyond security deposit) | 5 days | No Rent Control |
| Maine (ME) | 67 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Hawaii?
For nonpayment of rent, Hawaii requires 5 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 28 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Hawaii if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Hawaii allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Hawaii have rent control?
Hawaii does not currently have rent control.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Hawaii?
Landlords in Hawaii must give 2 days notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Hawaii are primarily found in Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-1 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.