Hawaii Tenant Rights
& Rental Laws

In Hawaii, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent, plus a pet deposit up to 1 month's rent.

Hawaii landlords must return security deposits within 14 days after you move out.

In Hawaii, landlords must give 2 days' notice before entering your rental unit.

Late fees in Hawaii: 8% of the amount of rent due. No mandatory grace period.

45 days notice. 45 days' written notice before a rent increase on a month-to-month tenancy (HRS § 521-21(d)). 15 days for a tenancy shorter than a month (HRS § 521-21(e)). A notice ending your tenancy to get around this rule is void (HRS § 521-71(f)). No statewide rent cap. Source: HRS § 521-21(d).

3 business days for essential repairs, 12 for others. Landlord must make all repairs needed to keep the home habitable (HRS § 521-42(a)(3)). Landlord must start repairs within 12 business days of your written notice (HRS § 521-64(c)). Electrical, plumbing or supplied major-appliance repairs needed for sanitary, habitable living must start within 3 business days of oral or written notice (HRS § 521-64(c)). If the landlord misses the deadline, you may have the work done and deduct up to $1,000 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, with receipts (HRS § 521-64(d)). List every problem you know of in your first notice; deductions are capped at three months' rent per six months (HRS § 521-64(e)). If a problem takes away a substantial part of what you rented, you may end the lease if it is not fixed within one week of written notice (HRS § 521-63(a)). Source: HRS §§ 521-42, 521-63, 521-64.

Protected. Retaliation prohibited. Cannot evict for complaints. Document communications. Source: HRS § 521-74.

14 days' notice. On a lease of one year or less, a tenant who (or whose family member living there) was a victim of domestic violence in the past 90 days may end the lease early. Give notice at least 14 days before the end date, which can be no more than 104 days after the last act. Include documentation (court orders, a domestic violence program, or a medical provider, attorney, advocate, social worker or clergy member) and a statement that the abuser likely knows your address. Rent is owed through the end date with no fee; a prorated deposit comes back after you move out. Source: HRS § 521-80.

Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Utility shutoffs prohibited. Source: HRS § 521-63.

Hawaii tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey to analyze your specific lease against Hawaii law.