Hawaii · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

Hawaii tenant repair rights

What a landlord in Hawaii must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

The landlord must keep the unit in compliance with health and safety laws, keep it fit and habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, keep landlord-supplied electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating and appliances in good working order, provide trash receptacles, and supply running water and reasonable hot water.

Repair and deduct
Allowed (with conditions)
Withholding rent
Not allowed
Notice before entry
2 days

Repairs in Hawaii

The landlord's duty
The landlord must keep the unit in compliance with health and safety laws, keep it fit and habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, keep landlord-supplied electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating and appliances in good working order, provide trash receptacles, and supply running water and reasonable hot water. HRS § 521-42.
How to ask for repairs
Notify the landlord in writing (keep a copy). Emergency/habitability repairs can be reported orally or in writing; the landlord must start within 3 business days. Other repairs: within 12 business days of written notice.
Repair and deduct
Yes. After written notice the landlord must start repairs within 12 business days (3 business days, after oral or written notice, for repairs to electrical, plumbing or other facilities, including major appliances, needed for sanitary and habitable conditions; 7 calendar days after a written notice from the health department or another agency). If the landlord does not, you can have the work done competently and deduct your actual costs, up to $1,000 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, by giving the landlord receipts. List every known problem in your first notice. The total chargeable in any 6-month period may not exceed 3 months' rent. Not allowed for problems you or your guests caused. HRS § 521-64 (amounts raised from $500 by Act 32, SLH 2024, effective November 1, 2024).
Withholding rent
No general rent-withholding right. If a court case over rent is filed, either side may ask the court to order rent paid into the court's rent trust fund (§ 521-78). If a condition deprives you of a substantial part of what you rented, you can end the lease after 1 week's written notice if not fixed (no notice needed if the unit is uninhabitable or an imminent threat) (§ 521-63).
Law
HRS §§ 521-42, 521-63, 521-64, 521-78

Landlord entry in Hawaii

At least 2 days' notice, and entry only at reasonable hours, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. Otherwise the landlord may enter only with a court order, if you appear to have abandoned the unit, or during an extended absence under § 521-70(b). HRS § 521-53.

Retaliation in Hawaii

As long as you keep paying rent, the landlord may not evict you, raise rent or cut services after you complain in good faith to the health department, landlord, building department, Office of Consumer Protection or another agency about code violations, after an agency files a violation notice, or after you request repairs under §§ 521-63 or 521-64. The statute sets no time limit. Exceptions include waste or nuisance, the landlord or family moving in, major renovation, sale, or a termination notice given before your complaint. If you are wrongly forced out, you can recover your damages plus court costs and attorney fees. HRS § 521-74.

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In Hawaii: Notify the landlord in writing (keep a copy).
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for Hawaii

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Hawaii's rule on asking for repairs:Notify the landlord in writing (keep a copy). Emergency/habitability repairs can be reported orally or in writing; the landlord must start within 3 business days. Other repairs: within 12 business days of written notice.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in Hawaii

Questions about repairs in Hawaii

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Hawaii?

Notify the landlord in writing (keep a copy). Emergency/habitability repairs can be reported orally or in writing; the landlord must start within 3 business days. Other repairs: within 12 business days of written notice.

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Hawaii?

Yes. After written notice the landlord must start repairs within 12 business days (3 business days, after oral or written notice, for repairs to electrical, plumbing or other facilities, including major appliances, needed for sanitary and habitable conditions; 7 calendar days after a written notice from the health department or another agency). If the landlord does not, you can have the work done competently and deduct your actual costs, up to $1,000 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, by giving the landlord receipts. List every known problem in your first notice. The total chargeable in any 6-month period may not exceed 3 months' rent. Not allowed for problems you or your guests caused. HRS § 521-64 (amounts raised from $500 by Act 32, SLH 2024, effective November 1, 2024).

Can I withhold rent for repairs in Hawaii?

No general rent-withholding right. If a court case over rent is filed, either side may ask the court to order rent paid into the court's rent trust fund (§ 521-78). If a condition deprives you of a substantial part of what you rented, you can end the lease after 1 week's written notice if not fixed (no notice needed if the unit is uninhabitable or an imminent threat) (§ 521-63).

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Hawaii?

At least 2 days' notice, and entry only at reasonable hours, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. Otherwise the landlord may enter only with a court order, if you appear to have abandoned the unit, or during an extended absence under § 521-70(b). HRS § 521-53.

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Hawaii?

As long as you keep paying rent, the landlord may not evict you, raise rent or cut services after you complain in good faith to the health department, landlord, building department, Office of Consumer Protection or another agency about code violations, after an agency files a violation notice, or after you request repairs under §§ 521-63 or 521-64. The statute sets no time limit. Exceptions include waste or nuisance, the landlord or family moving in, major renovation, sale, or a termination notice given before your complaint. If you are wrongly forced out, you can recover your damages plus court costs and attorney fees. HRS § 521-74.

More for Hawaii renters

Repairs in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.