Hawaii Tenant Protections Against Utility Shutoffs

Utilities, Services & Billing Hawaii published June 21, 2025 Flag of Hawaii

Struggling with a utility shutoff or the threat of losing water or power in your Hawaii rental? Hawaii state law protects tenants against unlawful utility disconnections by landlords. Understanding your rights can help keep your basic services intact, ensuring your home stays livable while you resolve rental disagreements or maintenance issues.

Understanding Utility Shutoff Protections for Hawaii Renters

In Hawaii, utilities such as water, gas, and electricity are considered essential services. Both landlords and utility companies must follow strict procedures before disconnecting these services. The primary law governing these protections is the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, HRS § 521-74.

What Landlords Cannot Do

  • Landlords are prohibited from intentionally shutting off, interrupting, or causing the interruption of any essential utility service to force a renter to move out or because of unpaid rent.
  • Utilities may only be interrupted for necessary repairs, emergencies, or when permitted by a legal order.

These laws aim to protect tenants’ health and safety, ensuring you are not left without water, electricity, or gas during any dispute.

What About Utility Companies?

  • Utility companies in Hawaii must provide advance written notice before disconnecting residential utilities.
  • Special rules apply for disconnections due to nonpayment; for example, certain protections may exist for households with critical medical needs, or during government-declared emergencies.

For more, see the Public Utilities Commission consumer resources for utility disconnections.

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Steps to Take If Your Utilities Are Threatened or Shut Off

If you’re facing a potential or actual utility shutoff, act quickly to protect your rights:

  • Contact your landlord promptly and request restoration if they unlawfully shut off utilities.
  • Document all communications and gather evidence (photos, notes, bills).
  • If the service is still interrupted, you can file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection Landlord-Tenant Hotline or take the landlord to court for damages and restoration under HRS § 521-74.
If your landlord unlawfully disconnects utilities, you may be entitled to damages, actual costs, and even three times monthly rent.

Relevant Official Complaint Form

  • Form Name: Residential Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form
  • When to Use: If your landlord unlawfully disconnects utilities or violates your rights under Hawaii's Landlord-Tenant Code.
  • How to Use: Complete and submit the form to the Office of Consumer Protection. For example, if your landlord shuts off your water to make you move out, fill in details of the incident and attach any supporting documents.
  • Access the Residential Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form here.

Who Handles Disputes or Complaints?

What Does the Law Say?

The Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, Section 521-74 makes it illegal for a landlord to willfully cause utility interruption, and provides strong remedies for tenants.

  • Tenants can seek injunctive relief (a court order to restore service)
  • Monetary damages, including legal fees and, in some cases, triple rent

This ensures tenants don’t lose access to necessities, even if there’s a dispute with the landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can my landlord shut off my water or electricity to get me to move out?
    No, Hawaii law strictly forbids landlords from intentionally disconnecting basic utilities to force you out. You may be entitled to compensation if this occurs.
  2. What should I do if my utilities are suddenly shut off?
    Document the shutdown, contact your landlord immediately, and file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection if the situation isn't resolved quickly.
  3. Can my utilities be turned off for nonpayment?
    Only the utility company can disconnect service for nonpayment, and only after proper notice. Your landlord cannot cut off your service independently.
  4. How do I report an illegal utility shutoff?
    Complete the Residential Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form and submit it to the Office of Consumer Protection with supporting documentation.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Renters

  • You have strong legal protections against utility shutoffs by your landlord under Hawaii law.
  • If your landlord threatens or disconnects utilities, document everything, communicate clearly, and use official complaint channels.
  • The Office of Consumer Protection and Hawaii District Court Small Claims Division can help resolve utility shutoff disputes.

Understanding your protections ensures that your home stays safe, habitable, and connected during rental disagreements or hardship.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, HRS § 521-74: Termination of utility service, interference with tenant's possessions
  2. Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Information
  3. Hawaii Judiciary Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center
  4. Hawaii Public Utilities Commission: Utility Bill Assistance

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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