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.

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).

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

Major Cities in Hawaii

Ewa Gentry — No rent control; Hawaii state protections apply.
Hilo — No rent control; Hawaii state law applies.
Honolulu — No active rent control; Hawaii state law (HRS Chapter 521) applies.
Kailua — No rent control; Hawaii state protections apply.
Kaneohe — No rent control; Hawaii state protections apply.
Pearl City — No rent control; Hawaii state law applies.
Urban Honolulu CDP — No rent control; Hawaii state protections apply.
Waipahu — No rent control; Hawaii state protections apply.

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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