HB 1776: OCP; Notice of Tenant Rights; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii faces a severe housing crisis, and that approximately fifty-six per cent of the renters in the State are rent burdened, meaning over thirty per cent of their income is dedicated to paying their rent.  Many of these households are increasingly vulnerable to housing cost-burden, insecurity, and displacement.

     The legislature further finds that federal and state laws afford tenants certain protections and rights, including but not limited to laws that:

     (1)  Safeguard public health, safety, and welfare by setting forth minimum dwelling unit standards;

     (2)  Establish rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords;

     (3)  Establish processes related to residential evictions; and

     (4)  Protect tenants from discrimination based on certain classifications.

     The legislature also finds that landlord-tenant laws are self-help laws that put the onus on renters to access their rights through private action.  This often presents major barriers to justice for tenants who are often already overwhelmed, under-resourced, and fearful of retaliation.  Without legal expertise, many renters may struggle to understand and access their rights as articulated in their lease agreements and under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.

     The legislature believes that providing accessible and accurate information to tenants concerning existing laws that protect tenants, the rights afforded under such laws, and the resources available to assist tenants will enable renters to address certain challenges and potentially assist them to avoid eviction and homelessness.  The legislature further believes that promoting access to accurate information will also improve housing stability across the State.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the office of consumer protection to publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§521-    Notice of tenant rights; publication.  (a)  The office of consumer protection shall create a notice of tenant rights that summarizes the rights of tenants under this chapter.  Beginning July 1, 2027, the notice of tenant rights shall be made available to the public free of charge in electronic format on a website maintained by the department of commerce and consumer affairs.

     (b)  The notice of tenant rights shall at a minimum be:

     (1)  Made available in printed and electronic formats;

     (2)  Translated into the most commonly spoken languages in the State, as determined by the office of consumer protection, in consultation with the office of language access; and

     (3)  Accessible to individuals with disabilities, including compliance with applicable accessibility standards for electronic documents.

     (c)  The office of consumer protection shall review and update the notice of tenant rights no less than once every year, or sooner as necessary to reflect changes in the applicable law."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the office of consumer protection to develop the notice of tenant rights required by this Act, including translation services.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of commerce and consumer affairs for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

OCP; Notice of Tenant Rights; Appropriation

Description:

Beginning 7/1/2027, requires the Office of Consumer Protection to publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights online.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii faces a severe housing crisis, and that approximately fifty-six per cent of the renters in the State are rent burdened, meaning over thirty per cent of their income is dedicated to paying their rent.  Many of these households are increasingly vulnerable to housing cost-burden, insecurity, and displacement.

     The legislature further finds that federal and state laws afford tenants certain protections and rights, including but not limited to laws that:

     (1)  Safeguard public health, safety, and welfare by setting forth minimum dwelling unit standards;

     (2)  Establish rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords;

     (3)  Establish processes related to residential evictions; and

     (4)  Protect tenants from discrimination based on certain classifications.

     The legislature also finds that landlord-tenant laws are self-help laws that put the onus on renters to access their rights through private action.  This often presents major barriers to justice for tenants who are often already overwhelmed, under-resourced, and fearful of retaliation.  Without legal expertise, many renters may struggle to understand and access their rights as articulated in their lease agreements and under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.

     The legislature believes that providing accessible and accurate information to tenants concerning existing laws that protect tenants, the rights afforded under such laws, and the resources available to assist tenants will enable renters to address certain challenges and potentially assist them to avoid eviction and homelessness.  The legislature further believes that promoting access to accurate information will also improve housing stability across the State.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the office of consumer protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights; and

     (2)  Require a landlord to provide a tenant with the most recent notice of tenant rights in the tenant's preferred language, if available, upon the signing of a lease.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§521-A  Notice of tenant rights; publication.  (a)  The office of consumer protection shall develop, maintain, and periodically publish a notice of tenant rights that summarizes the rights of tenants under this chapter and any other applicable federal or state law.  The notice of tenant rights shall be made available as a standalone document and included in the informational handbook on this chapter that is maintained by the office of consumer protection.

     (b)  The notice of tenant rights shall at a minimum be:

     (1)  Made available in printed and electronic formats;

     (2)  Translated into the most commonly spoken languages in the State, as determined by the office of consumer protection, in consultation with the office of language access; and

     (3)  Accessible to individuals with disabilities, including compliance with applicable accessibility standards for electronic documents.

     (c)  The office of consumer protection shall review and update the notice of tenant rights no less than once every year, or sooner as necessary to reflect changes in the applicable law."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§521-B  Notice of tenant rights; disclosure.  (a)  A landlord shall provide a tenant with a copy of the most recently issued notice of tenant rights, either physically or digitally, published by the office of consumer protection pursuant to section 521-A at or before the time the tenant signs a written rental agreement.  The landlord shall provide the copy in the tenant's preferred language, if the notice is available in that preferred language from the office of consumer protection.

     (b)  A landlord who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to a fine of no more than $          ."

     SECTION 4.  In codifying the new sections added by sections 2 and 3 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 6.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Office of Consumer Protection; Notice of Tenant Rights; Landlord Obligations; Fines

Description:

Requires the Office of Consumer Protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights.  Requires the notice to be included in the informational handbook on the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code maintained by the Office.  Requires a landlord to provide a tenant with a copy of the most recent notice of tenant rights in the tenant's preferred language, if available, and subjects the landlord to a fine for failure to do so.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii faces a severe housing crisis, and that approximately fifty-six per cent of the renters in the State are rent burdened, meaning over thirty per cent of their income is dedicated to paying their rent.  Many of these households are increasingly vulnerable to housing cost-burden, insecurity, and displacement.

     The legislature further finds that federal and state laws afford tenants certain protections and rights, including but not limited to laws that:

     (1)  Safeguard public health, safety, and welfare by setting forth minimum dwelling unit standards;

     (2)  Establish rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords;

     (3)  Establish processes related to residential evictions; and

     (4)  Protect tenants from discrimination based on certain classifications.

     The legislature also finds that landlord-tenant laws are self-help laws that put the onus on renters to access their rights through private action.  This often presents major barriers to justice for tenants who are often already overwhelmed, under-resourced, and fearful of retaliation.  Without legal expertise, many renters may struggle to understand and access their rights as articulated in their lease agreements and under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.

     The legislature believes that providing accessible and accurate information to tenants concerning existing laws that protect tenants, the rights afforded under such laws, and the resources available to assist tenants will enable renters to address certain challenges and potentially assist them to avoid eviction and homelessness.  The legislature further believes that promoting access to accurate information will also improve housing stability across the State of Hawaii.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the office of consumer protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights; and

     (2)  Require a landlord to provide a tenant with a notice of tenant rights in the tenant's preferred language, if available, upon the signing of a lease.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§521-A  Notice of tenant rights; publication.  (a)  The office of consumer protection shall develop, maintain, and periodically publish a notice of tenant rights that summarizes the rights of tenants under this chapter and any other applicable federal or state law.  The notice of tenant rights shall be made available as a standalone document and included in the informational handbook on this chapter that is maintained by the office of consumer protection.

     (b)  The notice of tenant rights shall at a minimum be:

     (1)  Made available in printed and electronic formats;

     (2)  Translated into the most commonly spoken languages in the State, as determined by the office of consumer protection, in consultation with the office of language access; and

     (3)  Accessible to individuals with disabilities, including compliance with applicable accessibility standards for electronic documents.

     (c)  The office of consumer protection shall review and update the notice of tenant rights no less than once every year, or sooner as necessary to reflect changes in the applicable law."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§521-B  Notice of tenant rights; disclosure.  (a)  A landlord shall provide a tenant with a copy of the notice of tenant rights, either physically or digitally, published by the office of consumer protection pursuant to section 521-A at or before the time the tenant signs a written rental agreement.  The landlord shall provide the copy in the tenant's preferred language, if the notice is available in that preferred language from the office of consumer protection.

     (b)  A landlord who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to a fine of no more than $          ."

     SECTION 4.  In codifying the new sections added by sections 2 and 3 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 6.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Office of Consumer Protection; Notice of Tenant Rights; Landlord Obligations; Fines

Description:

Requires the Office of Consumer Protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights.  Requires the notice to be included in the informational handbook on the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code maintained by the Office.  Requires a landlord to provide a tenant with a copy of the notice of tenant rights in the tenant's preferred language, if available, and subjects the landlord to a fine for failure to do so.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the residential landlord-tenant code.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii faces a severe housing crisis, and that approximately fifty-six per cent of the renters in the State are rent burdened, meaning over thirty per cent of their income is dedicated to paying their rent.  Many of these households are increasingly vulnerable to housing cost-burden, insecurity, and displacement.

     The legislature further finds that federal and state laws afford tenants certain protections and rights, including but not limited to laws that:

     (1)  Safeguard public health, safety, and welfare by setting forth minimum dwelling unit standards;

     (2)  Establish rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords;

     (3)  Establish processes related to residential evictions; and

     (4)  Protect tenants from discrimination based on certain classifications.

     The legislature also finds that landlord-tenant laws are self-help laws that put the onus on renters to access their rights through private action.  This often presents major barriers to justice for tenants who are often already overwhelmed, under-resourced, and fearful of retaliation.  Without legal expertise, many renters may struggle to understand and access their rights as articulated in their lease agreements and under the residential landlord-tenant code.

     The legislature believes that providing accessible and accurate information to tenants concerning existing laws that protect tenants, the rights afforded under such laws, and the resources available to assist tenants will enable renters to address certain challenges and potentially assist them to avoid eviction and homelessness.  The legislature further believes that promoting access to accurate information will also improve housing stability across the state of Hawaii.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the office of consumer protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights; and

     (2)  Require a landlord to provide a tenant with a notice of tenant rights upon the signing of a lease.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§521-A  Notice of tenant rights; publication.  (a)  The office of consumer protection shall develop, maintain, and periodically publish a notice of tenant rights that summarizes the rights of tenants under chapter 521 and any other applicable federal or state law.

     (b)  The notice of tenant rights shall at a minimum be:

     (1)  Made available in printed and electronic formats;

     (2)  Translated into the most commonly spoken languages in the State, as determined by the office of consumer protection, in consultation with the office of language access; and

     (3)  Accessible to individuals with disabilities, including compliance with applicable accessibility standards for electronic documents.

     (c)  The office of consumer protection shall review and update the notice of tenant rights no less than once every year, or sooner as necessary to reflect changes in the applicable law."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§521-B  Notice of tenant rights; disclosure.  (a)  A landlord shall provide a tenant with a copy of the notice of tenant rights, either physically or digitally, published by the office of consumer protection pursuant to section 521-A at or before the time the tenant signs a written rental agreement.

     (b)  A landlord who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to a fine of no more than $          ."

     SECTION 4.  In codifying the new sections added by sections 2 and 3 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Office of Consumer Protection; Notice of Tenant Rights

Description:

Requires the Office of Consumer Protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights.  Requires a landlord to provide a tenant with a copy of the notice of tenant rights.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  817-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1776

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1776, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Office of Consumer Protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights; and

     (2)  Require a landlord to provide a tenant with a copy of the most recent notice of tenant rights in the tenant's preferred language, if available, before or at the signing of a lease.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Disability and Communication Access Board; Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaiʻi YIMBY; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Roots Reborn; and five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS.

     This measure proposes that notice of tenant rights to be published by the Office of Consumer Protection be made available in printed and electronic formats.  Your Committee requests consideration that notice be required in either a printed or electronic format, rather than both.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1776, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  472-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1776

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1776, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Office of Consumer Protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights; and

     (2)  Require a landlord to provide a tenant with a copy of the notice of tenant rights in the tenant's preferred language, if available, upon the signing of a lease.  

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hope Services Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Workers Center; and five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Disability and Communication Access Board.

     Your Committee finds that the landlord-tenant laws are self-help laws that put the responsibility on renters to access their rights through private action.  Without legal expertise, many renters may struggle to understand their rights as articulated in their lease agreements and under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.  Your Committee further finds that this measure will provide tenants with accessible and accurate information concerning existing laws that protect tenants, the rights afforded under such laws, and the resources available to assist tenants.  The information required by this measure will support renters in avoiding eviction and homelessness, thereby improving housing stability in the State.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that a landlord is required to provide a tenant with a copy of the most recently issued notice of tenant rights; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1776, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1776, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  108-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1776

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1776 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Office of Consumer Protection to periodically publish an accessible, multilingual notice of tenant rights; and

     (2)  Require landlords to provide tenants with the notice of tenant rights upon the signing of a lease.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board; Hawaiʻi YIMBY; Waipahu Safe Haven Immigrant/Migrant Resource Center; Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Maui Housing Hui; The Mediation Center of the Pacific; and six individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Consumer Protection and Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS.

     Your Committee finds that the landlord-tenant relationship can be inherently imbalanced in favor of landlords who have ownership control over essential housing and greater financial resources.  Your Committee further finds that the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code mitigates some of this imbalance by detailing the rights and obligations of each party to a rental agreement and the remedies available.  However, tenants may only meaningfully invoke their rights if the tenants are informed and educated on the existence of those rights.  This measure is intended to bring further balance to the landlord-tenant relationship by ensuring tenants are informed of their rights at the commencement of the landlord-tenant relationship.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring the Office of Consumer Protection to include the notice of tenant rights in their informational handbook on the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code;

     (2)  Requiring the landlord to provide the notice in the tenant's preferred language, if the notice is available in that preferred language from the Office of Consumer Protection;

     (3)  Inserting a savings clause;

     (4)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (5)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider:

     (1)  Whether the appropriate remedy for a landlord's failure to provide the required notice of tenant rights is to deduct an amount from the security deposit and return that amount to the tenant, either in lieu or in addition to the fine provided in the measure; and

     (2)  Whether the contact information for the Office of Consumer Protection's Landlord-Tenant Information Center should be included on the notice of tenant rights.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1776, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1776, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,