Hawaii Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

Published On: February 6, 2025

Hawaii Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

Hawaii’s rent increase laws for 2025 have several key provisions that tenants should be aware of to protect their rights and understand their responsibilities. While Hawaii does not have statewide rent control, there are important regulations governing rent increases.

Notice Requirements

The most crucial aspect for tenants to understand is the notice period required for rent increases:

For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 45 days’ written notice before implementing a rent increase.
For week-to-week tenancies, a 15-day notice is required.

These notice periods give tenants time to evaluate their options and make informed decisions about whether to accept the new rent or seek alternative housing.

Lease Agreements

For fixed-term leases, rent increases are generally not allowed during the lease term unless explicitly stated in the agreement. Landlords can only propose rent increases as the lease renewal approaches, not during the active lease period.

Amount of Increase

Hawaii does not have a statutory limit on the amount by which rent can be increased. However, this doesn’t mean landlords have unlimited power to raise rents arbitrarily. Any increase must be reasonable and in line with market rates.

Tenant Rights

Tenants should be aware of their rights regarding rent increases:

Increases cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory.
Rent cannot be raised if the property fails to meet basic habitability requirements.
Tenants have the right to negotiate lease terms and seek properties that meet their budget constraints.

Special Considerations

During declared states of emergency, rent increases may be prohibited under section 127A-30 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Proposed legislation introduced in 2023 aimed to cap rent increases at 5% plus inflation, but this has not been enacted as of 2025.

Local Ordinances

While there are no statewide rent control laws, tenants should be aware that individual counties may have ordinances addressing rent increases. It’s important to check local regulations for any additional protections or requirements.

Responding to Rent Increases

If faced with a rent increase, tenants have several options:

Accept the new rent terms.
Negotiate with the landlord for a lower increase or better terms.
Reject the increase and move out before the new rent takes effect, adhering to the notice period in the rental agreement.

Illegal Rent Increases

Tenants should be vigilant about potentially illegal rent increases, which may occur if:

Proper notice is not given.
The increase is retaliatory or discriminatory.
The property is uninhabitable.
The increase violates lease terms or local ordinances.

If tenants believe a rent increase is illegal, they have the right to challenge it and may seek legal consultation.

While Hawaii’s lack of rent control may seem challenging for tenants, understanding these laws empowers renters to make informed decisions. By knowing their rights regarding notice periods, lease agreements, and the circumstances under which rent can be increased, tenants can better navigate the rental market and protect their interests.

It’s crucial for tenants to review their lease agreements carefully, stay informed about local ordinances, and communicate openly with landlords about rent increases to maintain a stable and fair rental situation.