If you’re looking to rent out your property, you’ll need a Hawaii (HI) lease agreement written according to Hawaii’s landlord-tenant laws. The lease agreement creates a binding relationship between you (the landlord) and your tenant. You agree to rent all (or some of) your property for a fee, and in return, the tenant agrees to the terms and conditions you lay out in the document.
1. What to Include in a Hawaii Residential Lease Agreement
Federal law mandates that landlords in all states, including Hawaii, add specific details in their lease agreements. These details include:
- Tenant/Landlord Details: names and current addresses of both the tenant and landlord
- Premises: the address of the premises being rented
- Pets: whether pets are allowed, and any other pet-related rules
- Health Hazards: any known health hazards or risks
- Rent Specifics: the amount of rent and security deposit due, and payment dates and methods
States differ in their leasing and rental requirements. Familiarize yourself with Hawaii’s landlord-tenant laws to protect your legal and financial rights.
2. Hawaii Landlord and Tenant Laws
Hawaii has specific regulations for landlords and tenants entering into a lease agreement. Some major regulations are as follows:
Relevant Laws:
Hawaii Revised Statutes Division 3, Title 28, Chapter 521
Security Deposit:
- A landlord may charge up to one month’s rent for a security deposit. (§ 521-44)
- A landlord must return the security deposit within 14 days of the end of the lease. (§ 521-44)
Landlord Right of Entry:
- A landlord must provide two days’ advance notice to a tenant before entering the rental property. (§ 521-53)