Rent control rules in Honolulu, HI — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
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.
HRS section 521-12 within the Landlord-Tenant Code limits county authority to set private-market rent ceilings, reserving rent control to specific state or federal programs. Honolulu therefore cannot adopt citywide rent caps comparable to California or New York jurisdictions. The City does enforce affordability covenants on Chapter 28 (Affordable Housing) deed-restricted units and on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands leasehold residences, where rents follow income-based formulas. Market-rate tenants instead rely on lease terms and federal fair-housing protections.
Landlords charging above contractual or covenanted rent on regulated affordable units face civil penalties, restitution to tenants, and loss of subsidy eligibility.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle rent control.
See how Honolulu's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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