Hawaii’s rent increase laws for 2025 continue to provide a framework that allows landlords to adjust rent while ensuring tenants receive fair notice and protection from sudden changes. There is no statewide rent control in Hawaii, which means landlords are generally free to set or increase rent as they see fit, provided they follow the required notice periods and do not violate lease terms or local ordinances.
For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give tenants at least 45 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect. This notice must clearly state the new rent amount and the date the increase will begin. For week-to-week tenancies, the law requires a 15-day advance written notice for any rent change. All rent increase notices must be in writing; verbal agreements are not sufficient under Hawaii law.
During a fixed-term lease, such as a six-month or one-year agreement, rent cannot be increased unless the lease specifically allows for it. This means tenants on fixed leases are protected from mid-term rent hikes unless otherwise stated in their contract. There is no state-imposed cap on how much rent can be increased, but landlords must comply with lease terms and any local regulations that may apply in certain counties or cities.
Tenants are also protected from rent increases that are retaliatory or discriminatory. Landlords cannot raise rent in response to a tenant’s lawful complaint or for discriminatory reasons prohibited by the Fair Housing Act. If tenants believe a rent increase is unfair or illegal, they have the right to dispute it or seek assistance from the Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Information Center or the Office of Consumer Protection.
During a declared state of emergency, Hawaii law prohibits landlords from increasing rent, offering additional protection for tenants during crises such as natural disasters or public health emergencies. Tenants who cannot afford a rent increase may choose to negotiate with their landlord, move out before the new rent takes effect, or consult a tenant advocacy group for guidance.
Overall, Hawaii’s rent increase laws in 2025 emphasize transparency, fair notice, and protection against retaliation and discrimination. Tenants should review their lease agreements and stay informed about any local ordinances that may provide additional protections in their area.
Sources
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-hawaii
[2] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/07/hawaii-rent-increase-laws-2025-what-tenants-should-know/
[3] https://innago.com/hawaii-landlord-tenant-laws/
[4] https://snappt.com/blog/hawaii-landlord-tenant-laws/
[5] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/hawaii-rent-control-laws/
