Hawaii Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Guide

If you're renting a lot or mobile home space in Hawaii, it's important to know your rights and what to do when disagreements with park management arise. Hawaii has specific laws and programs to help renters and landlords resolve issues like rule violations, rent disputes, or concerns about park maintenance. This guide explains the dispute resolution process, official forms, and key state resources available for mobile home park tenants.

Understanding Mobile Home Park Disputes in Hawaii

Disputes in Hawaii's mobile home parks often involve:

• Rent increases or changes in fees
• Eviction notices or termination of tenancy
• Maintenance and health or safety complaints
• Enforcement of park rules

Hawaii law provides procedures and protections in these situations, so tenants and park owners have a fair way to resolve problems.

Where to Go for Resolution: Official Tribunal and Agencies

The primary agencies handling disputes between tenants and landlords in Hawaii are:

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Information
• Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) (handles complaints connected to park licensing or unfair practices)
• Hawaii State Judiciary District Courts (for official landlord-tenant and eviction hearings)

The main legislation is the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Chapter 521)¹, which applies to manufactured and mobile home park tenancies.

How to Resolve Disputes: Step-by-Step

1. Try to Resolve Directly

• Talk with your landlord or park manager first. Many issues (e.g. maintenance, rules) can be resolved with clear communication.
• Put requests or complaints in writing and keep copies for your records.

2. Submit a Formal Written Complaint

• If direct communication fails, send a written complaint or request for resolution to the park management. State the specific issue and what you want resolved.
• If the issue involves health, safety, or unlicensed activity, you may also file a complaint with the Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO).

3. Seek Mediation Services

• Hawaii encourages voluntary mediation for landlord-tenant disputes before court action. The Mediation Center of the Pacific and local district courts provide free or low-cost mediation.
• Mediation can be especially helpful for disagreements about rent, repairs, or rule enforcement.

4. File an Official Complaint or Case

• If other steps don’t work, you or your landlord can file an official case with your local Hawaii District Court – Landlord-Tenant Division.
• Court is often needed for evictions, unresolved rent disputes, or serious code violations.

If you receive a formal notice to appear in court or an eviction notice, do not ignore it. Respond promptly to protect your rights.

Official Forms for Hawaii Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution

• Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form
  (Use when filing a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection)
  Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form (PDF)
  When to use: If your park owner or manager is violating your rights under the landlord-tenant code (e.g., unfair eviction process, not returning a security deposit), complete this form and submit it to the Office of Consumer Protection. For example, if repeated maintenance requests have been ignored and conditions are unsafe, you can file this form to seek assistance.
• District Court Summons/Complaint (Forcible Entry and Detainer / Eviction)
  (Required if filing for or responding to eviction or tenancy termination in court)
  Hawaii District Court Summons/Complaint Form 1DC53
  When to use: If you are being asked to leave your space or facing eviction, and efforts to resolve the matter have failed, you may receive this court form, or need to file it to defend your case. Always read any court documents carefully and respond by the deadline indicated.

Relevant Legislation and Guidelines

• Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521: Residential Landlord-Tenant Code

FAQ: Dispute Resolution for Hawaii Mobile Home Park Renters

1. What should I do if my landlord threatens eviction without notice?
   You cannot be legally evicted in Hawaii without written notice and a court process. If you receive threats, document them and contact the Office of Consumer Protection or seek legal aid immediately.
2. Can I withhold rent if my home space is not maintained?
   Hawaii law does not usually allow withholding rent. Instead, file a written complaint and consider mediation. If no resolution, contact the Office of Consumer Protection for next steps.
3. How can I request mediation for a dispute?
   Contact the Mediation Center of the Pacific or ask your local district court about their free mediation programs for landlord-tenant issues.
4. Where do I file an official complaint about my park owner?
   Submit the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form to the Office of Consumer Protection, following the instructions provided on the form.
5. What laws protect mobile home park tenants in Hawaii?
   The Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Chapter 521) provides rights and responsibilities for all renters, including those in mobile home parks.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Mobile Home Park Tenants

• Always try to resolve disputes directly with your landlord, but document all communication.
• Use mediation or the Office of Consumer Protection for help before considering court action.
• Official forms and resources exist to help protect your rights as a mobile home park renter in Hawaii.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Information: (808) 586-2634
• Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO): (808) 587-3222
• Hawaii District Court Landlord-Tenant Division
• Mediation Center of the Pacific
• Legal Aid Society of Hawaii – Tenant Rights

---

1. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521 – Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
2. Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant
3. Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO)
4. Mediation Center of the Pacific
5. Hawaii State Judiciary – Landlord-Tenant Self Help

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