Rent Control: Honolulu vs Waipahu
How do rent control rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI?
Honolulu and Waipahu have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
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.
View full Honolulu rules →Waipahu, HI
Honolulu County
Waipahu has no rent control. Hawaii does not cap residential rent, and landlord-tenant relations are governed by HRS Chapter 521 without a price ceiling.
View full Waipahu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Waipahu |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | HRS Section 521-12 | - |
| Local cap | Not authorized | - |
| Covered units | Affordable, Hawaiian Home Lands | - |
| Code | ROH Chapter 28 | - |
| City Rent Cap | - | None |
| State Rent Cap | - | None |
| Governing Law | - | HRS Chapter 521 |
| Notice to Raise | - | 45 days (month-to-month) |
| Fixed-Term | - | No mid-term raises |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Can my landlord raise rent unlimited amounts?
On market-rate units, increases are limited only by lease terms and required notice. Month-to-month tenants must receive 45 days written notice before any rent increase under HRS 521-21.
Are affordable units protected?
Yes. ROH Chapter 28 affordable housing covenants and DHHL leasehold residences cap rents through income-based formulas enforced by the city housing office and state Hawaiian Home Lands department.
Waipahu FAQ
Can my Waipahu rent be raised any amount?
Yes. Hawaii has no rent cap. For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must give 45 days' written notice under HRS Sec. 521-71, but the amount is not limited.
Do older plantation-camp rentals have special protections?
No. Age or history of the housing stock does not create rent caps. All residential tenancies fall under HRS Chapter 521 without rent control.
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