Landlord’s Right To Entry in Hawaii

Landlord’s Right To Entry in Hawaii

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 by Roberto Valenzuela

Legal Reasons for Entry
  • Inspections
  • Improvements (incl. decoration)
  • Maintenance
  • Property Showings
  • Emergencies
Notice Requirement
  • Usually 2 Days, Written or Verbal
  • None Needed for Emergencies
Penalties for Illegal Entry
  • Court Injunction
  • Cost of Damages
  • Breaking the Lease
  • Court + Legal Fees

Does a Landlord Have the Right To Enter a Rental Property in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords have a right to enter a rental property for the following reasons:

  • Inspecting the property
  • Improvements (including decorations)
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Showing the property to potential renters and buyers
  • Emergencies

Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords can legally enter a rental property without permission only in an emergency.

Can a Landlord Enter Without the Tenant Present in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords can legally enter a rental property without the tenant present.

Can a Landlord Show a House While Occupied in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords can show an occupied house. The renter can’t unreasonably refuse.

How Often Can Landlords Conduct Routine Inspections in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords have no specific limit on how often they can enter for inspections. The landlord isn’t allowed to enter unreasonably often, but what’s reasonable gets decided case by case.

How Much Notice Does a Landlord Need To Provide in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords must provide two days of advance notice before entering, unless there’s a provable reason (such as an emergency) why notice isn’t reasonably possible.

Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords can enter without notice only in an emergency.

How Can Landlords Notify Tenants of an Intention To Enter in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords can notify tenants verbally or in writing about an intention to enter.

Can a Tenant Refuse Entry to a Landlord in Hawaii?

Hawaii tenants can refuse entry to landlords if entry isn’t for an allowed purpose (inspections, repairs, improvements, showings, and emergencies), or if the manner of entry is unreasonable. For example, in most cases a tenant could refuse entry for a property showing in the middle of the night.

What Happens If the Tenant Illegally Refuses Entry to the Landlord in Hawaii?

Hawaii landlords can go to court if the tenant illegally refuses entry, and ask for an injunction to compel entry, or monetary damages suffered. If the refusal relates to property damage or code noncompliance, the landlord can cancel the rental agreement if the tenant doesn’t remedy within 10 days.

Can a Tenant Change the Locks Without Permission in Hawaii?

Hawaii tenants can change locks without permission if the lease doesn’t say otherwise. The landlord still has a right to enter for specific reasons, so tenants risk legal trouble if they don’t provide the landlord with copies of current keys.

What Can a Tenant Do If the Landlord Enters Illegally in Hawaii?

Hawaii tenants can take the following actions if a landlord enters illegally or repeatedly demands to enter in an unreasonable way:

  • Get a court order to ban the landlord from entering and/or harassing
  • Cancel the rental agreement
  • Recover cost of any actual damages, plus a minor civil fine (up to $100)
  • Report the landlord to the office of consumer protection

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