Hawaii Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Hawaii has one of the strongest statewide tenant protection frameworks in the country (HRS Chapter 521). Security deposits are capped at 1 month’s rent, landlords must provide 28–45 days notice to terminate, and tenants have strong habitability rights. No active rent control currently exists.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Hawaii at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Hawaii has a framework for local rent control under HRS § 521-74 but Honolulu does not have an active rent control ordinance. Maui County had a temporary rent freeze during COVID, now expired.

What Protections Hawaii Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Hawaii law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Capped at 1 month’s rent. Must be returned within 14 days of move-out with itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles tenant to 3× the amount withheld (HRS § 521-44).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants must receive 28 days written notice; tenants in residency longer than 6 months receive 45 days notice (HRS § 521-71).

Habitability

Strong implied warranty of habitability. Tenants may withhold rent or terminate the lease for serious habitability failures (HRS § 521-62).

Anti-Retaliation

Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights (HRS § 521-74.5).

Eviction

Landlords must provide written notice and obtain a court order before removing a tenant. Self-help eviction is prohibited (HRS § 521-63).

Major Cities in Hawaii

Honolulu — No active rent control; Hawaii state law (HRS Chapter 521) applies.
Pearl City — No rent control; Hawaii state law applies.
Hilo — No rent control; Hawaii state law applies.

Hawaii Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Hawaii renters:

Legal Aid Society of Hawaii — Free civil legal aid for low-income Hawaii residents, including eviction defense and tenant rights.
Hawaii Appleseed Center — Housing policy advocacy and tenant resources for Hawaii renters.
Hawaii AG – Consumer Protection — State resources for housing complaints and tenant guidance.

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