When a residential property is rented, the landlord and tenant normally reach an agreement about the amount of rent, when it will be paid, and the period of time that the property will be rented. There may be many other items in a rental agreement, such as whether pets are allowed or who will be responsible for the water and electricity bills.

The agreement between the landlord and the tenant may be oral or in writing. The advantage of a written agreement is that the promises made by the landlord and the tenant are documented. Oral agreements do not give landlords and tenants the same protection.

In addition to the rental agreement, landlords and tenants have rights and obligations under Hawai`i’s landlord-tenant law. The name of the law is the Hawai`i Residential Landlord-Tenant Code. You can learn more about this law at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Website.