Housing assistance in Hawaii

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Hawaii

Key tenant laws in Hawaii

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No more than 1 month's rent. A landlord may also collect a pet deposit of up to 1 month's rent for a pet allowed under the lease, but not for an assistance animal. At move-in, the landlord may collect only the first month's rent and the deposit.

HRS § 521-44(b)

Deposit return deadline

Within 14 days after the lease ends, the landlord must return the deposit or send written notice of what is being kept and why, with estimates, invoices or receipts, plus any balance. A landlord who misses the 14-day deadline must return the entire deposit. Tenants have 1 year to sue.

HRS § 521-44(c)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Ordinarily, the landlord must give a written notice of at least 5 business days to pay or have the lease terminated. During the Act 278 pilot (February 5, 2026 to February 4, 2028), the landlord must give a 10-day notice that tells the tenant they can request free mediation and must file it with Mediation Centers of Hawai'i. The tenant has 10 calendar days to request mediation. If mediation is requested and no agreement is reached, the landlord cannot file for eviction until 20 days after the tenant received the notice.

HRS § 521-68; Act 278, SLH 2025

Landlord entry notice

Except in an emergency, at least 2 days' notice, with entry only at reasonable hours. Allowed purposes include inspections, repairs and showing the unit.

HRS § 521-53

Rent increases and rent control

No rent control: state law sets no limit on the amount of a rent increase. In a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give 45 days' written notice before raising the rent. In a fixed-term lease, the lease sets the rent.

Hawaii Residential Landlord-Tenant Code Handbook (OCP, rev. 11/2024)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair-and-deduct is allowed. The landlord must start repairs within 3 business days for electrical, plumbing or major-appliance problems affecting habitability, within 12 business days for other written repair requests, and within 7 days after a health or safety violation notice from a government agency. If the landlord does not, the tenant may make the repair and deduct up to $1,000 or 1 month's rent, whichever is greater, with receipts. Total deductions are capped at 3 months' rent in any 6-month period.

HRS § 521-64

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Hawaii

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Hawaii resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. HRS § 521-44 Security deposits (archived September 2026)Hawaii State Legislature
2. HRS § 521-64 Repair and deduction (archived February 2025)Hawaii State Legislature
3. HRS § 521-68 Remedies for failure to pay rent (archived April 2025)Hawaii State Legislature
4. Landlord Tenant Information CenterHawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection
5. Residential Landlord-Tenant Code Handbook (rev. 11/2024)Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection
6. Act 278 Frequently Asked QuestionsHawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection
7. Act 278 Program Overview (PEMP)Hawaii DCCA Office of Consumer Protection
8. Mediation Centers of Hawai'i - Act 278Mediation Centers of Hawai'i
9. Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP)Hawaii Department of Human Services
10. Legal Aid Society of Hawai'iLegal Aid Society of Hawai'i
11. Hawaii Public Housing AuthorityHawaii Public Housing Authority
12. Section 8 EligibilityCity and County of Honolulu