Honolulu Landlord-Tenant Rules
Honolulu adds local rules on top of Hawaii landlord-tenant law. Here is what is different, with the city code or agency page behind each rule.
| Rent stabilization | The City and County of Honolulu has no local rent control, just-cause, relocation, or tenant-protection ordinance. The state Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Ch. 521) governs, including the state pre-filing eviction mediation program (Act 278, SLH 2025). None were found on official city pages. The Revised Ordinances of Honolulu were not searched in full. Source: Official source |
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| Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line | The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) enforces the city Housing Code. DPP only investigates when someone files a Request for Investigation (RFI). You can file through HNL Build, either logged in to track the case or without logging in. If a violation is confirmed, DPP issues a Notice of Violation. Complaints are confidential and the requester remains anonymous. DPP: 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, (808) 768-8000. The Housing Code chapter cite is from the DPP Building Board of Appeals Rules: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/resources/rules/building-board-of-appeals-rules/. |
Eviction cases in Honolulu are heard in: District Court of the First Circuit (Oahu); Honolulu Division at Kauikeaouli Hale, 1111 Alakea Street
Eviction court, fees and help
Local agencies
- Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) — Enforces the Housing Code and building and zoning ordinances, and takes RFIs and complaints. (808) 768-8000.
- Legal Aid Society of Hawaii — Free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents, including landlord-tenant cases. 808-536-4302.
- Mediation Centers of Hawaii — Mediation for landlord-tenant disputes, including Act 278 pre-filing mediation.
Frequently asked questions
What landlord-tenant rules does Honolulu add on top of Hawaii law?
Rent stabilization: The City and County of Honolulu has no local rent control, just-cause, relocation, or tenant-protection ordinance. The state Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Ch. 521) governs, including the state pre-filing eviction mediation program (Act 278, SLH 2025).; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) enforces the city Housing Code. DPP only investigates when someone files a Request for Investigation (RFI). You can file through HNL Build, either logged in to track the case or without logging in. If a violation is confirmed, DPP issues a Notice of Violation. Complaints are confidential and the requester remains anonymous. DPP: 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, (808) 768-8000.
← All Hawaii landlord-tenant rules
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.