Hawaii Renters: Domestic Violence Protections and Tenant Rights

If you're a renter in Hawaii dealing with domestic violence, you have important legal protections to help ensure your safety at home. Hawaii's landlord-tenant laws provide special rights designed to empower tenants, such as lock changes and early lease termination without penalty. Understanding these options and the action steps to take can help you seek a safer living situation while protecting your housing rights.

Your Legal Protections as a Renter Facing Domestic Violence

Hawaii law recognizes the serious need for renters who are survivors of domestic violence to take urgent steps for safety. Protections and procedures for tenants are laid out in the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, Section 514B-95.¹ These laws apply whether you rent an apartment, house, or condo.

Emergency Lock Changes

• You can request a lock change: If you or a household member are a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to ask your landlord to change the locks. You will need to provide written notice (see "Official Forms" below), along with a copy of the court order or police report.
• Landlord's responsibility: The landlord must change the locks within three business days after receiving your request and documentation.
• If the landlord does not act, you may change the locks yourself, provided you give them a key within a reasonable time.

Ending Your Lease Early

• If staying in your current rental puts your safety at risk, Hawaii law allows survivors of domestic violence to give written notice and end their lease early without penalty.
• Notice requirements: You need to give at least 14 days written notice and attach a copy of a court-issued order of protection or a police report proving recent domestic violence.
• Rent is still due for the 14-day notice period, but you are not responsible for the remainder of the lease after it ends.

These rights help renters maintain both safety and their legal standing as tenants.

Official Forms and Documentation You May Need

To use these protections in Hawaii, you must provide your landlord with specific documentation. There are no statewide standard forms, but here is how to prepare your written notice and the required documents:

• Written Notice of Lock Change or Lease Termination: This must include your name, address, a statement of your situation as a survivor of domestic violence, and the relief you are seeking (lock change or early termination). Attach one of the following:
• A copy of a court-issued Order for Protection (learn more here), or
• A recent police report related to domestic violence involving you or a household member.

Bring copies of all notices and supporting documents; you may want to deliver them by certified mail, return receipt requested, or hand-deliver with a witness for your records.

Where to Submit

• Give your notice and documentation directly to your landlord or property manager.
• Keep proof of delivery, such as a receipt or witness statement.

What If Your Landlord Retaliates or Refuses?

It's illegal for a landlord to evict, refuse repairs, or otherwise retaliate against you for exercising your rights as a survivor of domestic violence. If this happens, you can seek help from the Hawaii State Judiciary or the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Landlord-Tenant Information Center.

Hawaii's Official Landlord-Tenant Tribunal

Disputes about lock changes, early lease termination, or landlord retaliation are handled by the Hawaii District Court, which hears landlord-tenant matters. Visit their official Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center for more information and forms.

FAQ: Domestic Violence Protections for Hawaii Renters

1. Can my landlord refuse to change the locks for my safety?
   No. If you provide proper notice and documentation of domestic violence, the landlord must change the locks within three business days. If they do not, you may change them yourself and provide the landlord a key.
2. Will ending my lease early due to domestic violence affect my credit?
   No. Hawaii law prohibits landlords from penalizing or reporting tenants who lawfully terminate their lease early due to domestic violence.
3. What documents do I need to provide to use these tenant protections?
   You must supply your landlord with a written statement and either a recent police report or a court-issued protective order related to the incident.
4. What should I do if my landlord retaliates or threatens eviction?
   Contact the Hawaii District Court or the Landlord-Tenant Information Center for assistance; retaliation is prohibited under Hawaii law.
5. Where can I get official forms or help with court orders?
   Visit the Hawaii Judiciary's Domestic Violence Protective Orders page for forms and assistance.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Renters

• Survivors of domestic violence can request lock changes and end leases early with written notice and supporting documents.
• Your landlord cannot penalize or retaliate if you use these legal protections.
• Contact Hawaii courts or the Landlord-Tenant Information Center for free support and forms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Judiciary: Domestic Violence Protective Orders – Guidance, forms, and help for protective orders.
• Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Landlord-Tenant Information Center – Free answers to landlord-tenant questions at (808) 586-2634.
• Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center – Step-by-step guidance for tenant disputes.
• Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Advocacy, counseling, and safety planning.

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1. Hawaii Revised Statutes §514B-95: Landlord-Tenant Code (Domestic Violence Protections)
2. Hawaii District Courts: Landlord-Tenant Dispute Process
3. State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Landlord-Tenant Information Center
4. Hawaii Judiciary: Family Court Protective Orders

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