Hawaii Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Rules Explained

Living in a mobile home or manufactured housing community in Hawaii comes with unique legal rights and renter protections. Understanding how and when your landlord can increase your rent — and what limits apply — helps you plan ahead and respond confidently if you receive a rent increase notice. This guide explains Hawaii's rules for rent increases in mobile home parks, including limits, required notices, dispute options, and official forms.

Understanding Rent Increase Limits in Hawaii Mobile Home Parks

Hawaii law provides specific protections for renters in mobile home parks. While there are currently no statewide rent control caps on how much a landlord can increase the rent in a mobile home park, state law does require landlords to follow strict notice rules and fair practices.

Required Notice for Rent Increases

Under the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, landlords must provide at least 45 days written notice before increasing the rent for any rental property, including mobile home park lots.^[1]

• The notice must be delivered either in person or by mail.
• It must state the amount of the new rent and the date it will take effect.

This advance notice gives residents time to review their options, ask questions, or seek help if the increase feels unfair or unaffordable.

Are There Caps on Rent Increases?

As of 2024, Hawaii does not have statewide rent control or limits on the percentage or dollar amount of rent increases in mobile home parks. However, local county ordinances or city rules could set further protections, so it's smart to check with your local housing department.

Landlords cannot raise rent in a way that discriminates based on protected characteristics (such as race, family status, or disability) under Hawaii state and federal fair housing laws. If you feel a rent increase was retaliatory or discriminatory, you have the right to file a complaint.

How Must Landlords Notify Renters?

• Written Notice Only: Verbal notice does not count; renters must receive a written rent increase notice (mail or hand-delivery).
• Minimum 45 Days: The notice must be sent at least 45 days before the increase starts.
• Include New Rent Amount and Effective Date: The notice must clearly state both.

Tip: Keep any rent increase notice and the envelope it arrived in as evidence of proper (or improper) notice. If you have questions, contact the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection.

If You Disagree With a Rent Increase

There is a process to dispute a rent increase if you believe it's unlawful, not properly noticed, or retaliatory. While Hawaii does not offer a specific tribunal just for mobile home park rent disputes, renters can bring cases to the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) or, for formal legal disputes, to the Hawaii District Court Small Claims Division.

• Contact the OCP for information, complaint forms, or mediation resources.
• If necessary, you can file a complaint or small claims case about improper rent increases.

Key Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Complaint Form: Office of Consumer Protection (OCP)
  OCP Consumer Complaint Form (PDF)
  How it's used: Use this form if you need to file a complaint about improper notice, discriminatory rent increases, or other landlord violations. Example: If your landlord gave you only 30 days notice or did not put the increase in writing, you can submit this form to the OCP for an investigation.
• Small Claims Court Forms
  Hawaii Judiciary Small Claims Forms
  How it's used: If you're disputing an improper rent increase and seek a court ruling, you can use these forms to start a case in Hawaii District Court. Example: Use the "Statement of Claim" to file an official complaint about the rent increase.

Relevant Tribunal: Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection (OCP)

The Office of Consumer Protection is Hawaii's key state agency for renter-landlord disputes. You can access resources, complaint forms, and read about your rights on the OCP Landlord-Tenant page.^[2]

Summary of Rent Increase Rules

• Landlords must provide written notice at least 45 days before increasing rent.
• No statewide caps on rent increase amounts, but fair and non-discriminatory practices are required.
• Rent increases must follow all terms in the lease and state law.
• Renters can dispute unlawful or improperly noticed rent increases with the OCP or in small claims court.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much can my landlord raise the rent in a Hawaii mobile home park?
   There is currently no percentage or dollar cap on rent increases in Hawaii, but the landlord must give at least 45 days written notice and cannot raise rent in a discriminatory or retaliatory way.
2. How much notice does my landlord have to give for a rent increase?
   Your landlord must provide at least 45 days written notice before the increase takes effect.
3. Can I dispute a rent increase if I think it's unfair or not allowed by law?
   Yes. If you believe the rent increase violates Hawaii law—such as improper notice, retaliation, or discrimination—you can file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection or seek a ruling in small claims court.
4. Which government office handles complaints about rent increases?
   The Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection investigates complaints about landlord-tenant disputes, including improper rent increases.
5. What should be included in a rent increase notice?
   The notice must be in writing, state the new rent amount, and specify the date the increase will begin. Verbal notices are not valid.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Mobile Home Park Renters

• Landlords must give at least 45 days written notice for any rent increase.
• There is no rent control cap in Hawaii, but rent increases must be in writing and provided with enough notice.
• If you feel the increase is improper or violates discrimination laws, you have a right to file a complaint or seek a legal review.

Staying informed about notice requirements and available dispute options helps protect your housing stability.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Information
• Hawaii State Judiciary: Small Claims Forms (for court complaints)
• Hawaii Department of Human Services: Housing (renters support and resources)
• Hawaii Public Housing Authority

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1. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 521-21 – Notice of rent increase
2. Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant

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