Hawaii Rental Health Code Standards: Your Rights as a Renter

When you rent a home or apartment in Hawaii, you have the right to a safe, healthy living environment. State law sets minimum health and safety standards that landlords must meet for rental properties. This guide explains those standards, what to do if there are problems, and where to get help.

Understanding Minimum Housing Health Codes in Hawaii

Hawaii’s State Housing Code establishes the basic requirements for rental housing. These rules ensure your rental unit is safe, clean, and fit for human habitation. They apply whether you rent an apartment, house, or room.

Key Health and Safety Standards for Hawaii Rentals

• Sanitation Facilities: Every unit must have working toilets, sinks, showers/baths, and proper sewage disposal.
• Running Water & Utilities: The landlord must provide safe, running hot and cold water, electricity, and adequate heat/cooling. All plumbing and electrical systems must work safely.
• Structural Safety: The building must be in good repair—floors, walls, windows, and roofs must be intact and weatherproof.
• Pest Control: Landlords must address infestations (e.g., rodents, roaches) and keep common areas clean and vermin-free.
• Ventilation & Light: Every room must have adequate natural light, ventilation, and functional windows that open for fresh air.
• Smoke Alarms: Per state law, rentals must have working smoke alarms for fire safety.
• Lead Paint: Properties built before 1978 must disclose known lead-based paint hazards and remediate unsafe conditions. See the EPA’s resources for lead safety in homes.

These standards are enforced by local county departments and the Hawaii State Department of Health. If your landlord fails to maintain your unit, you have legal rights under the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.¹

What to Do If Your Rental Doesn't Meet Health Standards

If your living conditions do not meet these health requirements—such as mold, broken utilities, pest problems, or unsafe structures—you have the right to notify your landlord and request repairs.

How to Request Repairs: Practical Steps

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing: Clearly describe the problem and ask for repairs. Keep a copy of your letter or email as a record.
2. Wait for Landlord’s Response: Landlords typically have five business days to address the issue, depending on the severity.²
3. If Not Repaired: If repairs are not made, you may file a complaint with your local county Housing Code Enforcement Division or with the Hawaii State Department of Health.

If you’re facing urgent, unsafe conditions and the landlord is unresponsive, contact your county housing inspector or the State Landlord-Tenant Hotline for guidance.

Official Forms for Hawaii Renters

• Residential Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form
  • Use: File this with the Office of Consumer Protection if your landlord will not make repairs or there is a code violation.
  • Example: If you reported no hot water and your landlord did nothing after your written request, use this form to initiate a complaint.
  • Access the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form here.
• Request for Repairs (Formal Notice)
  • Use: Write and deliver a letter to your landlord describing required repairs. There is no official statewide form, but find guidance and templates from the Office of Consumer Protection.

If the issue is unresolved, you may be able to apply for mediation or take legal action through Hawaii's court system.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes in Hawaii?

The Hawaii District Court Landlord-Tenant Division oversees disputes about habitability, repairs, and all other rental matters.³

FAQ: Hawaii Rental Health and Housing Standards

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix health hazards?
   If your landlord ignores written requests for repairs, you can file a complaint with the state Office of Consumer Protection or contact your county Housing Code Enforcement.
2. How quickly must a landlord make critical repairs in Hawaii?
   Generally, landlords must begin repairs within five business days of receiving written notice for urgent health and safety issues.
3. Can I withhold rent if my rental is unsafe?
   Withholding rent is risky in Hawaii. Instead, follow the official complaint process, as withholding may lead to eviction unless authorized by a judge.
4. Who enforces Hawaii's rental health codes?
   The Hawaii Department of Health and local county housing code officials enforce standards alongside the Office of Consumer Protection.
5. Where can I find the official laws about rental health codes?
   Hawaii’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Code and the State Housing Code spell out your rights and landlord duties.

Conclusion: Your Health and Safety Rights as a Hawaii Renter

• You have the right to a safe and healthy rental home under Hawaii law.
• If repairs are needed, notify your landlord in writing and keep thorough records of your requests.
• For unresolved issues, there are official complaint processes and legal resources available to help you stay protected.

Understanding and using these protections ensures you and your household have a safe place to live.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Hotline: (808) 586-2634
• Hawaii District Court Landlord-Tenant Division
• Hawaii State Department of Health – Report serious health hazards
• County Housing Code Enforcement Offices
• Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (Full Text)

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1. Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Chapter 521)
2. Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Resources
3. Hawaii District Court Landlord-Tenant Division

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