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Rental Property Rules in Honolulu, HI (2026)

6 verified rental property rules for Honolulu, Hawaii, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Rent Control

Hawaii Revised Statutes section 521-12 partially preempts local rent control, leaving Honolulu without authority to cap residential rent increases except on county-administered affordable housing units and Hawaiian Home Lands.

Hawaii Preempts Local Rent Control

Few Restrictions

Just Cause Eviction

Honolulu has not enacted just-cause eviction protections; the Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Code allows month-to-month terminations with 45 days written notice from the landlord and 28 days from the tenant.

No Local Just-Cause Eviction in Honolulu

Few Restrictions

Rental Registration

Honolulu does not operate a general residential rental registration program; only short-term rentals, condominium conversions, and affordable housing covenanted units must register with city departments.

No Citywide Rental Registration Program

Few Restrictions

Security Deposit Rules

Under HRS section 521-44, Hawaii landlords may collect a security deposit not exceeding one month's rent and must return the deposit with itemized deductions within 14 days of tenancy termination.

Hawaii Security Deposit Cap and Return

Some Restrictions

Source-of-Income Discrimination

Hawaii Revised Statutes section 515-3 prohibits Honolulu landlords from refusing tenants based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 housing choice vouchers, Social Security, and child support.

Source of Income Protected Statewide

Some Restrictions

Section 8 Voucher Acceptance

Honolulu landlords participating in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program through the City and County housing office must follow HUD habitability standards and meet rent-reasonableness limits before payment begins.

Section 8 Voucher Acceptance Rules

Some Restrictions

Looking for Honolulu County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Honolulu city rules.

Rental Property Rules in Honolulu County