Fire Safety and Sprinkler Rules for Renters in Hawaii

Fire safety is essential for renters in Hawaii. Understanding your rights and what landlords are required to do can help keep you and your family safe. This guide will walk you through Hawaii’s fire escape and sprinkler requirements, what’s expected in rental properties, and the steps to take if you have concerns.

What Are Fire Safety and Sprinkler Requirements in Hawaii Rentals?

Hawaii law requires rental properties to follow building and fire codes to help protect tenants from fire hazards. These standards cover:

• Working smoke alarms in or near every bedroom
• Unobstructed fire exits and escape routes
• Properly maintained sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers in certain larger or multi-unit buildings

The Hawaii State Fire Code incorporates the International Fire Code and sets fire safety standards for all counties^[1]. Some cities or counties, like Honolulu, may have additional rules.

Fire Escapes and Exit Access

Rental buildings must have safe, accessible exits in case of emergency. This means:

• Exit doors and hallways cannot be blocked or locked
• Windows designated for emergency exit must open easily
• Corridors leading to exits must remain clear

If you find that a stairwell, hallway, or exit is blocked or inaccessible, alert your landlord right away. Landlords are responsible for providing and maintaining safe exits.

Sprinkler and Alarm System Requirements

The rules for sprinklers and alarms depend on the size and age of your building:

• Newer apartment buildings (generally built after 1975) must have automatic fire sprinkler systems as required by code
• Older high-rise buildings (over 75 feet) in Honolulu must retrofit with sprinklers or pass a life safety evaluation as per Honolulu’s fire safety ordinance^[2]
• All units must have working smoke alarms, and some require carbon monoxide alarms

Maintaining these systems—testing alarms, replacing batteries, and ensuring sprinkler heads aren’t blocked—is usually a landlord’s responsibility. Always notify your landlord if an alarm doesn’t work.

Your Rights if Fire Safety Standards Aren’t Met

As a renter, you have a right to a safe and habitable unit. If the fire escape routes are blocked or a required alarm or sprinkler isn’t working, take action:

• Submit written notice to your landlord describing the issue
• Allow reasonable time for repairs or corrections
• If unresolved, consider contacting the local fire department or filing a complaint

The main law protecting renters’ safety in Hawaii is the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code^[3]. This code requires landlords to keep rentals safe, including providing fire safety features as required by law.

Relevant Forms and Tribunals for Hawaii Renters

• Request for Repairs (no standard government form): Write a dated letter or email describing the fire safety issue to your landlord. Keep a copy for your records.
• Complaint to Local Fire Department: For Honolulu, you can contact the Honolulu Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau.
• Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Complaint/Inquiry Form: Used to report unresolved safety or habitability issues. Find it at the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Landlord-Tenant Center or complete the Official Landlord-Tenant Inquiry Form.

Hawaii’s landlord-tenant disputes are overseen by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Landlord-Tenant Center.

If You Need to File a Habitability Complaint

• Fill out the Landlord-Tenant Inquiry Form and attach supporting documents (photos, timeline, copies of written notices)
• Follow the instructions on the form to submit to the DCCA by mail or email
• An investigator may contact you for more information

This process is available at no cost to renters.

FAQ: Hawaii Renters’ Fire Safety Requirements

1. Are landlords in Hawaii required to provide fire escapes in rental buildings?
   Yes. Landlords must ensure there are clear, accessible exits in all rental buildings as required by local building and fire codes. Exits and fire escapes cannot be blocked or locked.
2. Do all rental units in Hawaii need to have fire sprinklers?
   No, not all. Fire sprinkler requirements depend on the building’s size, age, and local ordinances. Most newer or high-rise buildings require sprinklers; older low-rise or single-family rentals may not.
3. What should I do if my smoke alarm or sprinkler is not working?
   Notify your landlord in writing and request prompt repair. If they do not fix it, contact your local fire department or file a complaint with the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Center.
4. How can I make a fire safety complaint in Hawaii?
   Use the Landlord-Tenant Inquiry Form from the DCCA. Submit your form with details and supporting evidence.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Renters

• Your landlord is responsible for maintaining fire safety features in line with Hawaii law.
• Always notify your landlord about any fire safety problem in writing.
• Report unresolved dangers to the Landlord-Tenant Center or the local fire department for help.

Being informed protects you and your family by ensuring your home is as safe as possible.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Landlord-Tenant Center: Free advice and complaint resolution
• Honolulu Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau: Report unsafe fire conditions in rental properties
• Landlord-Tenant Forms: Download inquiry and complaint forms
• Read the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code

---

1. Hawaii State Fire Code, City & County of Honolulu, Effective 2020.
2. Honolulu Sprinkler Retrofit Ordinance FAQ, City & County of Honolulu, 2024.
3. Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, HRS Chapter 521, 2024.

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations