Hawaii Statewide Rule
Hawaii Landlord Entry Notice Requirements
Key Facts
- Standard notice
- At least 2 days (HRS § 521-53)
- Permitted hours
- Reasonable hours only
- Emergency entry
- Allowed without notice
- Harassment
- Right of access may not be abused or used to harass
Summary
Under HRS § 521-53, a Hawaii landlord must give the tenant at least two days' notice before entering the dwelling unit and may enter only during reasonable hours, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant.
[§521-53] Access. (a) The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold the tenant's consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises; make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements; supply services as agreed; or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees, or tenants. (b) The landlord shall not abuse this right of access nor use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or where impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two days notice of the landlord's intent to enter and shall enter only during reasonable hours. (c) The landlord shall have no other right of entry, except by court order, unless the tenant appears to have abandoned the premises, or as permitted by section 521-70(b). [L 1972, c 132, pt of §1; gen ch 1985]
Full Breakdown
HRS § 521-53 permits a landlord to enter to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, supply agreed services, or show the unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees, or tenants, and the tenant 'shall not unreasonably withhold consent.' The notice rule is explicit: 'Except in case of emergency or where impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two days notice of the landlord's intent to enter and shall enter only during reasonable hours.' The landlord 'shall not abuse this right of access nor use it to harass the tenant' and has no other right of entry except by court order, on apparent abandonment, or as permitted by HRS § 521-70(b).
Violations & Penalties
No specific statutory penalty. A tenant subjected to unlawful or harassing entry may seek injunctive relief and damages; a tenant who unreasonably withholds consent may face remedies, including termination under HRS § 521-72.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must a Hawaii landlord give before entering?
Can a Hawaii landlord enter without notice?
Sources
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