This handbook highlights areas of the landlord-tenant code. It does not duplicate or explain the complete text of the code.
The Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code is the name of Chapter 521 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS). The section numbers that are cited throughout this handbook refer to the sections of Chapter 521. Since its creation in 1973, the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code has been amended in almost every legislative session. This revised edition of the handbook is based upon the law as amended in the 1991 Session of the Hawaii State Legislature.
The organization of this handbook is based upon the same general categories that appear in the Code. The reader may note that the recurrent intent of the Code is equal justice for both landlords and tenants. Much of the confusion and difficulty so common in landlord-tenant disputes would be minimized or eliminated if there were better understanding and communication between landlords and tenants. One way of achieving this is through the use of clearly written agreements and understandings and insuring that the agreements are signed by the landlord and the tenant in duplicate with copies provided to each. Such points of agreement that are not clearly understood should be discussed, clarified and put into writing.
If you have questions on a landlord-tenant matter, call the Office of Consumer Protection at 586-2634 or 1-800-513-8886.