Hawaii Tenant Rights
Hawaii's Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (Haw.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- 45 days for month-to-month tenancy
- Just Cause Required:
- Yes — for certain tenancies, including federally subsidized housing and after long-term occupancy
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- 10 days to cure other lease violations
- Non Payment Notice:
- 5 business days to pay or vacate
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 1 month's rent
- Return Deadline:
- 14 days after tenant vacates
- Interest Required:
- No statutory requirement
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement required
- Penalty For Wrongful Withholding:
- Landlord liable for three times the wrongfully withheld amount
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Yes — up to one month's rent after notice and failure to repair within a reasonable time
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may terminate agreement for material failure to maintain habitable conditions
- Habitability Standard:
- Housing code compliance; working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
- Notice Required:
- Written notice to landlord required before invoking repair-and-deduct remedy
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- Anti-retaliation statute; general tort law may address broader harassment
- Penalties:
- Actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs for retaliatory conduct
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — retaliation within 90 days of protected activity is presumptively retaliatory
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- 2 days advance notice for non-emergency entry
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without prior notice in emergency situations
- Permissible Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit to prospective tenants or buyers
- Time Of Entry:
- Must be at a reasonable time
Legal Aid Resources
Hawaii State Judiciary – Self-Help Center
Statewide Hawaii
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.