Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Hawaii

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Hawaii, mainly from the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, HRS chapter 521. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

1 month's rent, plus pet deposit up to 1 month1,2HRS 521-44(b)

A deposit may not be more than one month's rent. A separate pet deposit of up to one more month's rent is allowed, but not for an assistance animal.

Deposit return deadline

14 days1,2HRS 521-44(c)

Within 14 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit or give written reasons for keeping any of it.

Interest on deposits

Not required1

The state Office of Consumer Protection says landlords are not required to pay interest on deposits.

Late fees

Up to 8% of the rent due1,3HRS 521-21(f)

For rental agreements made on or after November 1, 2017, a late fee may not be more than 8% of the rent due.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

28 days1,4HRS 521-71(b)

A tenant must give at least 28 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

45 days1,4HRS 521-71(a)

A landlord must give at least 45 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. If the building will be demolished or converted, the notice must be 120 days.

Notice of a rent increase

45 days (month-to-month)1,3HRS 521-21

For a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give at least 45 consecutive days' written notice of a rent increase. Tenancies shorter than a month need 15 days.

Statewide rent limits

None1

The state Office of Consumer Protection says Hawaii has no rent control and no limit on the size of a rent increase.

Landlord entry

2 days1,5HRS 521-53(b)

The landlord must give at least two days' notice and may enter only at reasonable hours, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable.

Notice for unpaid rent

5 business days1,6HRS 521-68(a)

After receiving a written notice of unpaid rent, the tenant has at least five business days to pay in full before the landlord may end the tenancy.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. Handbook for the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (REV 11/2024), Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection, 2024-11official
  2. HRS 521-44 (2025), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  3. HRS 521-21 (2025), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  4. HRS 521-71 (2025), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  5. HRS 521-53 (2025), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  6. HRS 521-68 (2025), Justia (quotes state code)secondary

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.