Hawaii’s rent increase laws in 2024 provide important protections for tenants while allowing landlords some flexibility in adjusting rental rates. Here’s what tenants in Hawaii should know about rent increases:
Notice Requirements
Landlords in Hawaii must provide proper written notice before implementing any rent increase:
- For month-to-month tenancies: 45 days’ advance notice required
- For week-to-week tenancies: 15 days’ advance notice required
The notice must clearly state the amount of the increase and the date it will take effect.
Restrictions on Rent Increases
While Hawaii does not have statewide rent control, there are some important limitations on rent increases:
- Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless specifically allowed in the lease agreement
- Rent increases are not permitted for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons
- During a declared state of emergency, rent increases may be prohibited
Amount of Increase
Hawaii law does not set a limit on how much rent can be increased.
However, any increase must comply with the terms of the existing lease agreement.
Tenant Rights
Tenants have the right to:
- Receive proper written notice before any rent increase
- Refuse a rent increase if proper notice is not given
- Negotiate the terms of a new lease at the end of a fixed-term lease
- Terminate a month-to-month tenancy with 28 days’ notice if they do not agree to a rent increase
Special Considerations
- Fixed-term leases: Rent typically cannot be increased until the lease term expires and a new agreement is negotiated
- Month-to-month tenancies: Provide more flexibility for landlords to increase rent, but still require proper notice
- Local ordinances: While there is no statewide rent control, individual counties may have additional regulations
Proposed Legislation
Tenants should be aware that there have been discussions about potential rent control measures in Hawaii:
- A bill introduced in 2023 proposed capping rent increases at 5% plus inflation
- This legislation is still under review and has not been enacted
Understanding these rent increase laws can help tenants in Hawaii better navigate their rights and responsibilities in the rental market. If tenants believe their landlord has not followed proper procedures for a rent increase, they may seek advice from the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Information Center.
Source
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-hawaii
- https://www.turbotenant.com/state/hawaii/
- https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/hawaii-landlord-tenant-laws