Hawaii Compliance Hub

Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Law: 2026 Guide

The plain-English breakdown of Hawaii rental law every self-managing landlord needs. Security deposit limits, late fee rules, notice periods, eviction process, and the official statute link, all in one place.

Hawaii at a glance

Security deposit
Max 1 Month
Late fees
Per lease
Notice period
45 Days
Deposit return
14 Days

Source: official Hawaii statute. Verified against 2026 text.

Hawaii landlord-tenant law in plain English

Hawaii landlord-tenant law sets the rules every rental in the state has to follow. Security deposits are capped at max 1 month, late fees are governed by per lease, the standard notice to terminate a month-to-month lease is 45 days, and security deposits must be returned within 14 days after the tenant moves out. The exact statute is the source of truth for any specific dispute.

Common Hawaii landlord questions

Answered against the verified facts above and the linked statute. Not legal advice.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the security-deposit cap is Max 1 Month. Always confirm with the linked statute before drafting your lease.
Does Hawaii cap late fees on rent?
Hawaii's late-fee rule is: Per lease. If the rule is 'per lease', spell out the exact dollar amount or percentage in writing so it is enforceable.
How much notice does a Hawaii landlord have to give to end a month-to-month lease?
The standard notice period in Hawaii is 45 Days. Different rules can apply for nonpayment, lease violations, or fixed-term leases ending.
How long does a Hawaii landlord have to return the security deposit?
Hawaii requires the deposit to be returned within 14 Days of move-out, with an itemized list of any deductions.
Can a landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Hawaii?
No. 'Self-help' evictions are illegal across all U.S. states. A landlord must serve written notice, file in court, and let a sheriff carry out any lockout.
Where can I read the full Hawaii landlord-tenant statute?
The official statute link is at the bottom of this page. Rentari.ai cites it directly so you can verify any line item before signing or filing.
Built on this law

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Information here is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify with the linked statute or a licensed attorney before acting. Hawaii statute: https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-28/chapter-521/