Housing (Tenant Rights)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1352: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2866 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 250).

This message from the Governor informs the Hawaii Legislature that he signed Act 250 into law on July 14, 2026. The bill makes permanent the state rent supplement program for elderly residents, known as kupuna, which provides monthly rental assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness. Previously set to expire in 2026, the program's sunset date was extended to 2028 before this legislation made the funding permanent. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring continued support for approximately 300 at-risk elderly individuals who receive less than $500 per month in aid.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill makes permanent funding for a rent supplement program for elderly residents, preventing eviction and homelessness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 16, 2026

HCR 82: REQUESTING THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL TO DEVELOP AND ADOPT BASIC SHELTER STANDARDS TO ENABLE LOW-COST, RAPID-DEPLOYMENT HOUSING SOLUTIONS.

This bill requests the State Building Code Council to create a new set of basic shelter standards that would allow for low-cost, quickly built housing solutions during emergencies. The proposed standards would permit simpler structures like prefabricated units and temporary shelters that currently don't meet full building code requirements, but would still ensure safety and sanitation. These housing units would only be allowed during declared emergencies and would be limited to government or nonprofit use to prevent commercial exploitation. The bill also establishes a pathway for these temporary units to be upgraded to permanent housing if they later meet full building code standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates basic shelter standards for low-cost, rapid-deployment housing during emergencies, expanding affordable housing options and addressing housing needs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2221: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a recent criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a recent comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill prohibits double-charging for criminal background checks in housing, reducing barriers for tenants with records and aligning with criminal justice reform to lower recidivism through housing access.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord application fees for background checks/credit reports, reducing tenant costs and strengthening tenant protections in rental housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2227: RELATING TO EVICTION RECORDS.

Limits public access to summary possession records on the Judiciary's publicly accessible electronic databases unless and until a writ of possession is issued.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits public access to eviction records before final judgment, preventing premature stigma against tenants and aligning with tenant protection indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 30, 2026

SB 2958: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a recent criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a recent comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits fees for background checks in rental applications, reducing financial barriers for tenants with criminal records and supporting reentry/reform efforts.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord application fees for background/credit checks, reducing tenant costs and strengthening tenant protections under housing affordability measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 2539: RELATING TO RENT STABILIZATION.

Establishes a statewide 3% annual limit on rent increases under chapter 521, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Prohibits rent increases during the first 12 months of a tenancy and requires notice and certification for exempt properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingImposes 3% annual rent cap and 12-month freeze, directly protecting tenants from rapid rent increases and advancing housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 2071: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Clarifies that the dwelling units eligible for the Rent-to-Own Program shall be units that are for sale in fee simple or leasehold on non-ceded state or county land under a lease with an initial term of not less than 99 years. Replaces the five-year period during which the sales price of a rent-to-own dwelling unit shall remain fixed with an option period established by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends fixed sales price period for Rent-to-Own Program from 5 to 10 years, stabilizing affordability and strengthening access to homeownership under housing program.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 466: RELATING TO EVICTIONS.

Prohibits landlords from terminating certain tenancies without cause. Establishes criteria under which landlords can undertake a no-fault eviction. Requires landlords, when proceeding with a no-fault eviction, to offer relocation assistance to the tenant or waiver of the final month's rent. Effective 1/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits no-cause evictions and mandates relocation assistance for tenants in no-fault evictions, directly strengthening tenant protections and preventing displacement in housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 1186: RELATING TO BED BUGS.

Prohibits landlords, including those operating in public housing and educational dorm settings, from renting a dwelling unit that the landlord knows has a current bed bug infestation. Establishes procedures that landlords shall take upon receiving notice of an actual or suspected bed bug infestation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits renting infested units and mandates landlord action, directly protecting tenants from unsafe housing conditions per tenant protection indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 2401: RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.

HB 2401 authorizes the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to provide loans or grants to eligible individuals seeking to purchase rental properties. This directly affects potential new landlords or investors who may struggle to secure traditional financing for acquiring rental units. The bill's key mechanism allows the fund to offer financial assistance for the purchase of rental housing, rather than solely for repairs or maintenance. As a newly introduced bill (pending committee referral), it has not yet been voted on or enacted.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes loans/grants for purchasing rental properties, increasing housing supply by supporting new investment in rental housing stock.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Landlords Tenant Rights

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