The Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, Chapter 521 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Sections 41 and 42 allows for a tenant to expect the following things from a landlord:
Landlord Obligations
As prescribed by the Code, the landlord must:
- Have the unit ready for the tenant to move in at the time and in the condition agreed upon.
Section 41.
- Provide safe and healthy premises as required by law. Section 42(a)(1) & (2).
- Make all repairs and arrangements necessary to keep the premises in a livable condition. Section 42(a)(3).
- Maintain all electrical, plumbing and other facilities in good working condition. Section 42(a)(4).
- Provide and maintain garbage bins and arrange for frequent removal of waste materials except in the case of a single family residence. Section 42(a)(5).
- Provide for the supplying of running water as reasonably required except in the case where the building is specifically exempted by law. Section 42(a)(6).
Various sections of the Code require both the landlord and the tenant to comply with all applicable building and housing laws affecting health and safety. To accomplish this, the landlord and the tenant may agree that the tenant will perform certain minor repairs, minor remodeling, or maintenance tasks. However, this type of agreement will be
effective only if:
- It is made in good faith and not for the landlord to avoid any other obligations.
- The agreement does not reduce any obligations the landlord may have to other tenants.
See also Hawaii Landlord Standard Maintenance Repair Laws.
Return to Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Laws.