File a Successful Rental Repair Request in Hawaii

Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Hawaii published: June 21, 2025 Flag of Hawaii

As a renter in Hawaii, maintaining a safe and livable home is your right, and it’s your landlord’s responsibility to keep your rental in good repair. Whether you have a broken appliance, leaks, pests, or another issue impacting your comfort or safety, knowing how to file a repair request can help get results faster. This guide will explain what to do, which forms to use, and how Hawaii tenant laws protect you during the process.

Understanding Your Repair Rights in Hawaii

Hawaii’s landlord-tenant laws require landlords to provide and maintain rental units in habitable condition. This means your home must be safe, sanitary, and fit to live in. Typical repair responsibilities include:

  • Keeping electrical, plumbing, and heating systems in working order
  • Ensuring running water and functioning toilets
  • Addressing leaks, mold, pest infestations, and structural hazards

These requirements are set out in the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521).

Step-by-Step: Filing a Repair Request That Gets Results

Addressing repairs promptly is key for your comfort and for keeping documentation if problems persist. Here’s a summary of what to do:

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

  • Describe the problem clearly (e.g., "Leaking kitchen sink since June 5").
  • Request a prompt repair and include photos if possible.
  • Keep a copy for your records and note the date.

Using written notice is vital for documenting your repair request. Hawaii law recommends written notification to start the required time limit for repairs. Sample repair request letters can be found in the official Landlord-Tenant Handbook.

2. Reasonable Wait Time for Repairs

  • Under Hawaii law, landlords must begin repairs within 3 business days for essential services (water, electricity, sewage, etc.).
  • For less urgent repairs, the landlord generally has up to 12 days after notification.

If repairs are not started within these legal timelines, you may have further options.

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3. If Repairs Are Not Made: Your Next Steps

  • Repair and Deduct: For certain types of repairs, if the landlord fails to act, you may arrange the repair yourself and deduct the cost from your rent. You must follow detailed steps as outlined in the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Code. Always provide receipts and written notice.
  • Withhold Rent: In rare cases and only where allowed by law, you may withhold rent if the issue seriously affects health or safety. It’s strongly advised to seek legal guidance before withholding rent.
  • Apply to the Hawaii District Court: If you cannot resolve the issue, you may file a complaint with the appropriate Hawaii District Court for enforcement of your rights.

For each option, strict compliance with notice and documentation requirements is essential to protect yourself.

Official Forms for Repair and Habitability Issues

  • Sample Repair Request Letter
    Form Name: Sample Written Request for Repairs
    Use: Use when notifying your landlord in writing about a needed repair. Clearly describe the problem and desired fix.
    Source: Official Sample Letter (Landlord-Tenant Handbook, p.39)
  • Hawaii District Court Complaint (Landlord-Tenant Case)
    Form Name: Complaint – Landlord-Tenant (DC-CV-03)
    Use: Use this when filing a formal complaint with the Hawaii District Court over a landlord’s failure to maintain the rental.
    Source: Complaint – Landlord-Tenant (DC-CV-03)

The relevant tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes in Hawaii is the Hawaii District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division. This court handles residential repair complaints, deposit disputes, and more.

Summary: What to Expect

Filing a repair request in Hawaii involves careful documentation, formal written notice, and knowing when you can take further steps if the landlord does not act. Understanding the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code is your best defense and source of guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long does my landlord have to fix a serious repair in Hawaii?
    For essential services like water or electricity, landlords must start repairs within 3 business days after written notice.
  2. Can I deduct repair costs from my rent in Hawaii?
    Yes, for certain repairs if you follow legal procedures: you must provide written notice, wait the required time, and submit receipts. Review the process in the Landlord-Tenant Code or ask the District Court for guidance.
  3. Is there an official repair request form I must use?
    No, but you should provide a written letter or email describing the issue. The Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Handbook offers a helpful sample template.
  4. What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
    You can contact the Hawaii District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division and file a formal complaint using the Complaint – Landlord-Tenant (DC-CV-03) form.
  5. Where can I get legal help as a Hawaii renter?
    Contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii or the statewide Landlord-Tenant Hotline for free assistance.

Key Takeaways on Filing Repair Requests in Hawaii

  • Always provide clear, written notice to your landlord with repair details and keep records
  • Know the legal timelines: 3 days for urgent repairs, generally 12 days for others
  • If repairs aren’t made, you have options: repair and deduct, withhold rent (rare), or apply to court

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Hawaii

  1. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521, Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
  2. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Landlord-Tenant Information Center
  3. Hawaii State Judiciary, Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center
  4. Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Handbook (2023)

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

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

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