Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Hawaii caps late fees at 8% of the rent due and requires 45 days’ notice before a month-to-month rent increase (HRS § 521-21). Deposits are limited to one month’s rent, plus an optional pet deposit of up to another month, and must be returned within 14 days.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Hawaii?
A Hawaii landlord has 14 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with a written statement of any amounts kept.
| Maximum Deposit | One month’s rent, plus an optional pet deposit up to one month |
| Return Deadline | 14 days |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | HRS § 521-44 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Hawaii?
Hawaii has no rent control, but a month-to-month rent increase needs 45 days’ written notice and late fees cannot exceed 8% of the rent due.
| Late Fee Limit | 8% of the rent due |
| Rent Control Status | No statewide rent control |
| Rent Increase Notice | 45 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | HRS § 521-21 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Hawaii
A Hawaii eviction for unpaid rent starts with a written notice giving the tenant 10 days to pay, with a copy sent to a mediation center; lease violations get 10 days to cure.
| Non-Payment Notice | 10 days (with a copy to a mediation center) |
| Lease Violation Notice | 10 days to cure |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 45 days from landlord |
| Statute Reference | HRS §§ 521-68, 521-71, 521-72 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii requires 2 days’ notice before a landlord enters, except in an emergency or where the tenant has abandoned the unit.
| Notice Required | 2 days |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show to buyers or tenants |
| Statute Reference | HRS § 521-53 |
What Must a Hawaii Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Move-in inventory and condition report (HRS § 521-42)
- Owner’s or on-island agent’s name and address (HRS § 521-43)
- Landlord’s general excise tax license number
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Hawaii?
Hawaii landlords must keep the unit fit to live in and comply with health codes; tenants can repair and deduct up to $500 when the landlord fails to act after notice.
What Hawaii landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- • Keep common areas clean and safe
- • Maintain supplied electrical, plumbing, sanitary and appliances in good order
- • Supply running water and reasonable hot water
What a Hawaii tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct after written notice (limit below)
- • Withhold rent or terminate for serious habitability failures certified by a health inspector
| Repair & Deduct | Up to $500 |
| Statute Reference | HRS §§ 521-42, 521-64 |