Utilities Setup Checklist for Hawaii Renters

Moving into a new rental in Hawaii brings excitement—and some important tasks. One of the most essential is getting your utilities set up promptly and correctly. Hawaii law protects your right to access safe, working utilities in your rental. This plain-language guide walks you through what to do, what rights you have, and what official steps to take to stay compliant with Hawaii state law.

First Steps: Know Your Rental Utility Responsibilities

Before you move in, check your lease agreement to see which utilities are included. Under the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, landlords must specify who is responsible for each utility and ensure all major systems work when you move in.^[1]

• Electricity (usually provided by Hawaiian Electric)
• Water and sewer
• Gas (where available)
• Trash collection
• Internet, cable, or phone (optional)

Your lease should say which utilities you set up and pay for versus what the landlord handles. If it’s unclear, ask your landlord in writing for clarification.

Essential Utilities: What Needs Setup (& Who Calls Whom)

Electricity

• Contact Hawaiian Electric to start or transfer service. Give at least 3-7 days’ notice before your move-in date.
• You may need to provide identification and a copy of your lease.

Water & Sewer

• In most apartments/condos, water is included in your rent and handled by the landlord.
• If you’re renting a single-family home, contact your island’s county Department of Water Supply (for example, Honolulu Board of Water Supply).

Gas (if present)

• Contact Hawaii Gas for opening an account if your rental uses gas.

Rubbish Collection

• Often included with rent for apartments/condos. For single-family homes, check with your landlord whether you need to arrange pickup via your county services.

Internet, Cable, and Phone

• These are almost always up to the renter. Major providers in Hawaii include Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom. Set up appointments in advance, as installations can be booked weeks ahead.

Required Inspections and Move-In Disclosures

Under the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, your landlord is required to provide a written inventory of the property’s condition at move-in. This should include which utilities are functioning.^[1]

• The Landlord-Tenant Information Form (State Form DCCA-LLT-01)
  State of Hawaii OCP Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form
  Example: Use this form to notify Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection if your landlord fails to provide working utilities or will not disclose utility arrangements as required.

Be sure to review and sign the inventory form; if one was not provided, request it in writing. Document utility problems with photos and dated notes.

Step-by-Step Utility Setup for Hawaii Renters

Here’s a simple checklist for a smooth utilities setup:

• Double-check your lease to identify utility responsibilities
• Contact each applicable utility company to schedule new or transferred service
• Gather necessary documents: government-issued ID, lease copy, and move-in date
• Confirm with your landlord about any utility accounts that must remain in their name
• Monitor installations and turn-on dates; let utilities know if you need urgent service (e.g., health concerns)
• Immediately report missing or nonworking utilities to your landlord in writing

What if Your Landlord Fails to Provide Utilities?

State law protects your right to safe and habitable rental housing. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) handles complaints about rental violations.^[2]

• If your utilities are not working at move-in, promptly notify your landlord in writing and request repairs or activation.
• If issues persist, file a complaint with the OCP using the official Landlord-Tenant Complaint process.
• Keep copies of all requests, complaints, and photos of any issues.

FAQ: Hawaii Utility Setup for Renters

1. Which utilities are landlords in Hawaii legally required to provide?
   Landlords must provide utilities needed for the property to be habitable, such as running water, electricity, and sewage disposal, unless you agree otherwise in your written lease.
2. What forms do I use if my landlord refuses to fix utilities?
   File the Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form with Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection.
3. Can I set up utilities before my lease starts?
   Usually yes, as long as you have a signed lease and the landlord authorizes service to start on your move-in date.
4. If I paid a utility deposit, when should I get it back?
   Utility companies should return deposits within a reasonable time after your account closes and the final bill is paid. Landlords must return any utility deposits they hold within 14 days under state law.
5. Who handles mobile home or special residence utilities?
   For mobile homes or unusual arrangements, confirm with your landlord who pays each utility and verify with the local agencies overseeing those homes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Hawaii Renters

• Always confirm utility responsibilities in writing before moving in.
• Contact service providers several days in advance for a seamless start.
• If utilities are not working on move-in day, notify your landlord and consider filing an OCP complaint if unresolved.

Staying proactive and informed about your rights will help you avoid utility headaches and enjoy a smooth move-in experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Hotline (DCCA)
• Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Information (state complaints & support)
• Official tribunal: Hawaii District Court – Landlord-Tenant Division
• Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Code Overview

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1. Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, Hawaii Revised Statutes §§ 521-1 – 521-78. Read the full code here.
2. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Office of Consumer Protection. Official information and complaint forms.

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