Landlord tools · Hawaii

Hawaii residential lease agreement.

Everything a Hawaii lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

1 monthSecurity deposit cap

14 daysDeposit return deadline

48 hrsEntry notice required

45 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Hawaii

Hawaii caps security deposits at 1 month of rent. 1 month max including key/other deposits; separate pet deposit up to 1 month allowed After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 14 days. Return with itemized deductions within 14 days Returning one now? Use the free Hawaii deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Hawaii limits late fees: 8% of amount due. No grace period is required by statute, though many leases include one. No required grace period (HRS § 521-21(f)).

Landlord entry and notices

Landlords must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. 2 days' notice, reasonable hours (HRS § 521-53). Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 45 days' written notice (Landlord 45 days, tenant 28 days). Rent increases require 45 days' advance notice (45 days' written notice for month-to-month; 15 days if shorter periodic tenancy). Planning an increase? The free Hawaii rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Hawaii lease

Lead-based paint (federal). EPA/HUD disclosure and pamphlet required (Required when: pre-1978 housing.)
Owner/agent identity. Disclose owner and on-island agent authorized to act (Always required.)
GE tax excise number. Provide landlord's excise tax number so tenant can claim the state renter's credit (Required when: on request.)
Condition inventory. Written inventory of unit and furnishings condition at move-in (Always required.)

Clauses you can’t put in a Hawaii lease

Waiver of Chapter 521 rights
Confession of judgment
Exculpatory clauses

Utilities and pets

Utilities: Self-help utility interruption prohibited; landlord must disclose utility arrangements. Pets: Optional separate pet deposit up to 1 month's rent (non-service animals).

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Hawaii?

Hawaii caps security deposits at 1 month of rent. 1 month max including key/other deposits; separate pet deposit up to 1 month allowed

How long does a Hawaii landlord have to return the deposit?

14 days after the tenancy ends. Return with itemized deductions within 14 days

Are late fees limited in Hawaii?

Yes — 8% of amount due. No required grace period (HRS § 521-21(f))

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Hawaii?

At least 48 hours, except in emergencies. 2 days' notice, reasonable hours (HRS § 521-53)

Does Hawaii have rent control?

No statewide rent control. No rent control

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Key statutes: HRS § 521-44 · HRS § 521-21 · HRS § 521-53 · HRS § 521-71. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.