Challenging Illegal Rent Increases in Hawaii: A Renter’s Guide

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Hawaii published June 21, 2025 Flag of Hawaii

If you’re a renter in Hawaii facing a sudden or steep rent hike, it’s important to know your rights and options under Hawaii law. Understanding how to challenge an illegal rent increase can help you protect your housing and budget. Hawaii has clear rules about rent increases, including legal notice periods and protections against discrimination or retaliation.

What Counts as an Illegal Rent Increase in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, there is no statewide rent control, but state law sets standards for how landlords can raise rent and how much notice they must give. A rent increase could be illegal if:

  • Your lease is fixed-term (for example, a 1-year lease) and the landlord tries to raise rent during that period.
  • The landlord fails to give at least 45 days’ written notice for a month-to-month tenancy, or at least 15 days for a week-to-week tenancy.
  • The increase is done in retaliation for you exercising your legal rights (such as reporting code violations).
  • The increase discriminates based on race, gender, disability, or other protected classes.

All rent increases must be in writing, and must follow the rules outlined in the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521).

How to Challenge an Illegal Rent Increase

If you believe your rent increase is not allowed, these steps can help you respond quickly and effectively:

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1. Review Your Lease and the Rent Increase Notice

  • Check the terms in your current lease agreement. Is there a clause about rent increases?
  • Verify the notice period. For most Hawaii renters on a month-to-month lease, a landlord must provide at least 45 days’ written notice (official guidance).
  • If you are on a fixed-term lease, your rent cannot be raised until that term ends (unless your lease says otherwise).

2. Communicate with Your Landlord

  • Politely let your landlord know if the rent increase doesn’t follow legal notice requirements or lease terms.
  • Keep all written communications for your records.
If you feel unsafe confronting your landlord, you can write a letter or email instead.

3. File a Complaint with the State Landlord-Tenant Hotline

  • If the landlord won’t correct the issue, contact the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Hotline (part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs) for guidance.
  • You may file an official complaint using the Residential Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form (RICO-ALT-07).

Form: Residential Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form (RICO-ALT-07)

4. Consider Mediation or Legal Action

Save copies of your lease, all notices, complaint forms, and any correspondence about your rent increase. Good records make it easier to assert your rights.

Where to Get Help

Hawaii’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Branch (official website) is the main agency handling rental disputes and complaints.

FAQ: Challenging a Rent Increase in Hawaii

  1. How much notice must my landlord give before raising rent?
    For month-to-month tenancies, Hawaii law requires at least 45 days’ advance written notice. For week-to-week, it’s 15 days.
  2. Can my landlord raise rent during a fixed-term lease?
    No, unless your lease specifically allows mid-term increases, rent cannot be increased until your lease expires.
  3. What if my landlord retaliates after I complain?
    It's illegal for landlords to retaliate (raise rent, threaten eviction) because you complained. You can file a complaint with the Residential Landlord-Tenant Branch.
  4. Does Hawaii have rent control laws?
    There is no statewide rent control in Hawaii, but rental increases must still comply with the notice and anti-retaliation laws.
  5. What agency can help me resolve my rent increase dispute?
    The Residential Landlord-Tenant Branch at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs can offer guidance and process complaints.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Renters

  • Hawaii law sets minimum notice periods and prohibits illegal, discriminatory, or retaliatory rent increases.
  • Use the Residential Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form (RICO-ALT-07) to begin an official complaint.
  • Seek state support or mediation if you cannot resolve the issue directly.

Remember, as a renter in Hawaii, you have rights protected by state law. Acting quickly and keeping good records will strengthen your case if you need to challenge a rent increase.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521 - Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
  2. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Residential Landlord-Tenant Information
  3. Residential Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form (RICO-ALT-07)
  4. Hawaii Judiciary: Landlord-Tenant Self-Help

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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