Hawaii Rent Control Laws: What Renters Need to Know in 2025

If you are renting a home or apartment in Hawaii, you may be wondering if there are any limits on how much your landlord can raise your rent in 2025. As housing costs continue to rise, understanding Hawaii’s rent control laws and tenant protections is crucial for renters who want to stay informed and protected. This guide explains the current laws, recent updates, and where you can turn for help.

Understanding Rent Control and Rent Stabilization in Hawaii

In many states, rent control or rent stabilization laws limit how much a landlord can increase rent each year. These laws aim to prevent sudden, steep rent hikes and to provide greater stability for renters.

Currently, Hawaii does not have any statewide rent control or rent stabilization law in effect for the year 2025. This means, outside of special circumstances, landlords can generally raise rent by any amount as long as they follow notice rules set by state law.

Key Points for Hawaii Renters

• No statewide rent control in Hawaii as of 2025.
• Local cities or counties may enact rent control in emergencies, such as during a declared state of emergency. Otherwise, there are no local rent caps.
• Landlords must provide written notice before raising rent for month-to-month tenancies.

Hawaii Law on Rent Increases

Even without rent control, Hawaii law protects renters from unfair or illegal rent practices. The main set of rules is found in the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code^[1].

• Landlords must give at least 45 days written notice before increasing rent for a month-to-month tenancy (§521-21 Notice of Rent Increase).
• For fixed-term leases, the rent amount cannot be changed until the lease ends, unless the lease says otherwise.

Are There Any Exceptions for Rent Control in Hawaii?

Hawaii law does allow for special rent regulations during officially declared emergencies, like natural disasters. If this happens, the Governor or local officials can temporarily freeze rent or limit rent increases. Outside these rare situations, there is no rent stabilization policy.

Official Forms Renters May Need

• Notice of Rent Increase
  • Form Name: No specific statewide form required; landlord must deliver a written notice.
  • When to use: If your landlord wants to increase rent, they must give you a 45-day written notice for month-to-month rentals.
  • How it's used: For example, if you receive a written notice in April for a June rent hike, it must be delivered on time and state the new rent amount and date it takes effect.
  • Learn more about notice requirements from the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Information Center
• Complaint Form: Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Complaint
  • Form Name: Residential Landlord-Tenant Complaint
  • When to use: Use this if you think your landlord has violated your rights, such as failing to provide notice of a rent increase.
  • How it's used: Fill out the form and submit it to Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection.
  • Download the official complaint form and instructions

Who Oversees Rent Disputes in Hawaii?

The main agency handling landlord-tenant disputes in Hawaii is the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection Landlord-Tenant Center. This office provides guidance, investigates complaints, and may refer cases to the court system when needed.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation in Hawaii

The key law for renters is the Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 521 - Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.^[1] This code covers rent increases, notice periods, lease terms, and other important rights and obligations for both landlords and tenants.

FAQ: Hawaii Rent Control & Your Rights in 2025

1. Is there any rent control in Hawaii in 2025?
   No, Hawaii does not have statewide rent control as of 2025. Rent can be increased according to the rules in the Landlord-Tenant Code.
2. How much notice does my landlord need to give for a rent increase?
   For month-to-month leases, landlords must give 45 days written notice before any rent increase.
3. Are there limits on how much my rent can go up?
   There are no statewide limits on the amount of a rent increase, unless a state of emergency is declared with rent freeze provisions.
4. Can my landlord increase the rent in the middle of a fixed lease?
   No, unless your lease specifically allows for mid-term increases, your rent remains the same until the lease ends.
5. Where can I file a complaint if I think my landlord violated notice rules?
   You may file a complaint with Hawaii's Office of Consumer Protection using their Residential Landlord-Tenant Complaint form.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Renters

• Hawaii does not have statewide rent control, but notice rules apply.
• Landlords must provide written notice before rent increases.
• Rent freeze measures may be invoked temporarily during emergencies.

Staying informed about Hawaii’s landlord-tenant laws will help you respond to rent increases and know your rights. If you face challenges, consult the Office of Consumer Protection.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection Landlord-Tenant Center: Offers information and dispute resolution guidance.
• Landlord-Tenant Information Center: Details on notice requirements, laws, and rental questions.
• Hawaii State Judiciary Self-Help: Landlord-Tenant: Court resources and forms if you need to escalate a dispute.
• Hawaii Housing Alliance: Advocacy and support programs for renters across the state.

---

1. Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 521 - Residential Landlord-Tenant Code

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