Can I break my lease early if I get new PCS or deployment orders?

Yes. Both Hawaii law and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act give you the right to end your lease early for PCS or deployment without penalty. Provide your landlord with written notice and a copy of your orders.

What protections do I have against eviction while on active duty?

Military renters may have eviction proceedings paused under the SCRA if active duty impacts their ability to appear. Hawaii law also requires court involvement for all evictions.

Do I need to use a special form to end my lease due to military orders?

There's no official Hawaii state form, but you must provide written notice and a copy of your orders. Sample templates are available from Hawaii DCCA or your base legal office.

What can I do if my off-base rental needs urgent repairs?

Inform your landlord in writing. If they do not respond, contact the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Center or consider mediation.

Where can I get help with a rental or eviction issue off-base?

Contact the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Center, your base legal office, or the Hawaii District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division for guidance and support.

Renters’ Rights for Military Families Off-Base in Hawaii

Special Housing Types & Situations Hawaii published June 21, 2025

Military families stationed in Hawaii often choose to rent homes or apartments off-base instead of using on-base housing. Whether you’re PCS-ing for the first time or are a seasoned tenant, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities under Hawaii law and special federal protections that apply to servicemembers and their families renting off-base in the state.

Legal Protections for Military Renters in Hawaii

Military renters in Hawaii enjoy the same protections as all tenants under the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code. In addition, you may have extra rights under federal law, such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

Right to a Written Lease: You’re entitled to receive a written rental agreement explaining rent, maintenance, security deposit, and notice requirements.
Protection Against Illegal Eviction: Your landlord must follow legal procedures, including proper notice and, in most cases, a court order, before eviction.
Early Lease Termination (PCS Orders): If you receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or deployment orders, you may terminate your lease early under the SCRA and Hawaii law without penalty.
Housing Standards: Homes must meet health and safety standards – landlords are responsible for repairs required under the law.

Key Legislation Covering Rental Agreements

The main law that governs your rights as a renter in Hawaii is the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes). For military-specific issues like early lease termination, federal law via the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) also applies.

Ending Your Lease Early Due to Military Orders

PCS orders or deployment for a period of at least 90 days? Both SCRA and Hawaii law allow you to end your lease early:

Give your landlord written notice (with a copy of your military orders)
Lease typically ends 30 days after the next rent due date
No penalty fees are allowed when ending your lease under these circumstances

Sample action: If you receive PCS orders, use the “30-Day Notice of Intent to Vacate” form, attach your orders, and deliver it to your landlord. This starts the official timeline for ending your rental agreement.

Official Forms for Hawaii Military Renters

Notice of Intent to Terminate Lease Due to Military Orders (No standard state form, but SCRA requires written notice and proof.)
Example: Write a signed letter stating your intent to end the lease early due to PCS, attach a copy of your orders, and deliver to the landlord. You can find guidance and a sample template from the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
30-Day Notice of Intent to Vacate (No official number, but required under state law.)
Use if your lease or law requires 30-day notice when moving out. Guidance is available on the Hawaii DCCA Landlord-Tenant FAQs page.

Maintenance and Repairs in Off-Base Military Housing

Landlords are required to maintain the rental property in a safe and habitable condition under Hawaii law. If repairs are needed, notify your landlord in writing and keep a copy for your records. If the repair isn’t made, you may have options such as reporting to the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Hotline or seeking mediation.

Tip: Always submit requests for repairs or complaints in writing to create a record of your communication.

Where to Go for Rental Disputes

Most landlord-tenant disputes in Hawaii are addressed first by the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Center. If issues are unresolved, you may escalate to the Hawaii District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division.

What to Do if Facing Eviction

Evictions in Hawaii must go through the court. Landlords must provide proper notice, and tenants have the right to a court hearing. Military members may be entitled to an automatic stay (pause) in proceedings under the SCRA if active duty affects their ability to appear in court.

If you receive an eviction notice, review your lease, contact legal assistance, and seek help right away.

FAQ: Renting in Military Housing Off-Base in Hawaii

Can I break my lease early if I get new PCS or deployment orders?
Yes. Both Hawaii law and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act give you the right to end your lease early for PCS or deployment without penalty. Provide your landlord with written notice and a copy of your orders.
What protections do I have against eviction while on active duty?
Military renters may get eviction proceedings paused under the SCRA if active duty affects their ability to appear. Hawaii state law also requires court involvement for eviction.
Do I need to use a special form to end my lease due to military orders?
There’s no official Hawaii state form, but you must provide written notice with a copy of your orders to your landlord. You can use a sample template from the Hawaii DCCA or your military legal office.
What can I do if my off-base rental needs urgent repairs?
Notify your landlord in writing. If repairs aren’t made, contact the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Center or consider mediation.
Where can I get help with a rental or eviction issue off-base?
Contact the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Center, your base legal assistance office, or Hawaii District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division for support.

Key Takeaways for Military Renters Off-Base

Military tenants in Hawaii get unique federal protections in addition to state rights
Early lease termination is allowed for PCS or deployment orders—but always give written notice
For disputes, help is available from the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Center and local courts

Being proactive with communication and understanding your legal rights helps ensure a smooth off-base renting experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code – Official state legislation overview
Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Center – Landlord-tenant information and hotline (808-586-2634)
Hawaii District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Division – For rental disputes and evictions
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) – Details your federal military renter protections
Military Legal Assistance – Contact your base legal office for personalized support