Hawaii Landlord / Tenant Handbook
Click to download
Landlord/Tenant Handbook
INTRODUCTION
This Handbook for the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code is published by the Office of Consumer Protection, a division of the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. It is designed to be a useful guide for all Hawaii residents and attempts to address the questions and concerns most frequently expressed by landlords and tenants.
THIS HANDBOOK HIGHLIGHTS AREAS OF THE LANDLORD-TENANT CODE. IT DOES NOT DUPLICATE OR EXPLAIN THE COMPLETE TEXT OF THE CODE. PERSONS DESIRING TO REVIEW THE COMPLETE TEXT OF THE HAWAII RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE SHOULD OBTAIN A COPY OF CHAPTER 521, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES.
The Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code is the name of Chapter 521, of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS). The section numbers that are cited throughout this handbook refer to the sections of Chapter 521. This handbook is for informational and reference purposes only, and does not provide legal advice. The information in this handbook is subject to change.
The organization of this handbook is based upon the same general categories that appear in the Code. The reader may note that the recurrent intent of the Code is equal justice for both landlords and tenants. Much of the confusion and difficulty so common in landlord-tenant disputes would be minimized or eliminated if there were better understanding and communication between landlords and tenants. One way of achieving this is through the use of clearly written agreements and understandings and insuring that the agreements are signed by the landlord and the tenant in duplicate with copies provided to each. Such points of agreement that are not clearly understood should be discussed, clarified and put into writing.
If you have questions on a landlord-tenant matter, call the Office of Consumer Protection 586-2634 or consult an attorney.
THIS MATERIAL CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN BRAILLE, LARGE PRINT OR AUDIO TAPE. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST TO THE OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION SECRETARY AT (808) 586-2636.