Who Pays for Utilities in Hawaii Rentals? Laws & Renter Rights

If you're renting a home or apartment in Hawaii, understanding who is responsible for utilities is important for budgeting and peace of mind. Hawaii law provides some guidance, but most details depend on what your rental agreement says. Below, you'll find essential information on utility responsibilities, your rights under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521 – Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, relevant forms, and who to contact for help managing disputes.

How Utility Bills Are Handled in Hawaii Rentals

In Hawaii, there is no single rule about whether the landlord or tenant pays for utilities such as electricity, water, gas, rubbish collection, or cable. Instead, it depends mostly on your lease (rental agreement). Hawaii law does require landlords to be clear in writing about who pays for which utilities (HRS §521-43). If it is not stated, the landlord is assumed to cover those costs.

What Must Be Stated in the Rental Agreement?

• Which utilities (electricity, water, gas, trash, sewer, internet, etc.) each party is responsible for paying.
• If utilities are split (such as shared meters), the agreement should clearly describe how costs are calculated.
• Any administrative fees or surcharges added by the landlord, as required under HRS §521-44.

Always review your agreement and ask for clarification if any charges are unclear.

Can a Landlord Cut Off Utilities?

Hawaii law prohibits a landlord from willfully interrupting utility services to force a tenant to move out or demand payment (HRS §521-74.5). Unlawful shutoff can lead to fines and penalties for the landlord. If your utilities are cut off, you may be able to file a complaint.

What If Utilities Are Not in My Name?

If utilities remain in the landlord's name but the agreement says you pay, you should receive a clear breakdown each month of your charges and how they were calculated. This is especially important if you share meters with other tenants. If charges are unclear, you have the right to request documentation and dispute any unfair billing.

Tip: If your lease says you must pay for a utility but doesn't say how charges are split—especially for shared meters—ask your landlord to clarify in writing. This avoids unwanted surprises later.

Relevant Official Forms for Hawaii Renters

• Complaint Form – Office of Consumer Protection (DCCA)
  Use this to report unlawful utility shutoffs, unclear charges, or related rental disputes.
  Hawaii Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form
  Example: If your landlord turned off your water to force you to pay, you would download the form and submit it to the DCCA.
• Request for Information Regarding Rental Agreement
  File with your landlord in writing if utility responsibilities aren’t made clear to you. There is no special government form, but written communication is strongly advised.

Which Tribunal Handles Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Hawaii?

The Hawaii District Court – Landlord-Tenant Division handles legal disputes about rental issues, including utilities and service interruptions. Before going to court, the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) can also help mediate complaints and answer questions.

Key Hawaii Utility Laws for Renters

• Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521 – Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
• HRS §521-43: Rental Agreement and Required Disclosures
• HRS §521-74.5: Wrongful Utility Disconnection

If you believe your landlord has violated these laws, you may seek help from Hawaii’s OCP or escalate the issue to the local District Court.

FAQ: Utilities in Hawaii Rental Housing

1. What utilities am I usually responsible for as a renter in Hawaii?
   It depends on your rental agreement. Commonly, tenants pay for electricity, gas, internet, and cable, but sometimes landlords cover water, trash, or sewer. If not listed, the landlord may be responsible.
2. Can my landlord add "administrative fees" to my utility bill?
   Landlords can only add fees or surcharges if they're specifically outlined in your lease. Hawaii law requires these to be disclosed in writing.
3. What should I do if the landlord shuts off my utilities?
   This is illegal in Hawaii. File a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection and consider contacting the Hawaii District Court if the problem isn’t resolved.
4. Who pays for repairs if utility services (like plumbing) break down?
   Landlords are usually required to maintain essential utilities. If a breakdown isn’t your fault, they must make repairs.
5. How can I find out what my rental agreement says about utilities?
   Review your rental agreement carefully. If anything’s unclear, request a written explanation from your landlord and keep records.

Key Takeaways for Hawaii Renters

• Utility payment responsibility should always be clearly stated in your rental agreement.
• Landlords cannot cut off utilities to force payment or eviction—it’s illegal.
• If you have a dispute, use official complaint processes or contact the Hawaii District Court or OCP for guidance.

Understanding your rights about utilities can save you stress and money throughout your rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection – Landlord/Tenant Hotline & Resources (808-586-2634)
• Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form – Official reporting for unlawful shutoffs or disputes
• Hawaii District Court Landlord-Tenant Division – Tribunal for legal disputes
• Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521 – Complete landlord-tenant law

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1. Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 521 – Residential Landlord-Tenant Code: Full text here
2. Landlord/Tenant Forms: Official DCCA Forms Portal
3. Hawaii District Court, Landlord-Tenant Division: Self-Help Resources
4. HRS §521-43 Required Disclosures: Legislation text
5. HRS §521-74.5 Utility Shutoff Rules: Legislation text

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