Can't Pay Rent in Hawaii: What Are My Options?
This page covers when rent is due, late fees, and what to do if you cannot pay on time. It also explains free mediation (a meeting where a neutral person helps you and your landlord reach an agreement). Notices to move out and court steps are on the eviction page.
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Rent is due at the time and place you and your landlord agreed. Unless you agreed otherwise, rent for a term of one month or less is due at the start of the term. For longer terms, rent is due in equal monthly payments at the start of each month.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
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Your rental agreement may set a late charge (a fee for rent not paid when due). The fee cannot be more than 8% of the rent due. Example: 8% of $2,000 rent is $160.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
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Your rental agreement may say rent is due by the third day after your public assistance check usually arrives. If so, you can choose a new due date. You do this with a one-time payment for the days between the old date and the new date. The new date can be no more than 3 days after checks are mailed, not counting Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
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If you cannot pay on time, talk to your landlord before the due date. Ask for a payment plan and get it in writing. Keep a copy of every message you send and receive.
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Aloha United Way 211 is Hawaii's statewide helpline. Its staff can help you find financial assistance. Call 211, call 808-275-2000, or call toll-free 1-877-275-6569. The service is free and confidential.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
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Your landlord must give a copy of the 10 calendar day rent notice to a center paid for by the state. The center offers free mediation (a meeting where a neutral person helps you and your landlord reach an agreement).
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
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If you schedule mediation (a meeting where a neutral person helps you and your landlord reach an agreement), your landlord must take part. It must happen within 30 days after the center contacts both of you.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
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You and your landlord each pay your own costs for mediation (a meeting where a neutral person helps you and your landlord reach an agreement). Those costs include lawyer fees. Your landlord may ask you to pay all the costs if you miss the mediation. The same goes if you do not keep an agreement you made in mediation. The costs then include reasonable lawyer fees.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
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Your landlord can bring a lawsuit only for the rent you owe. The landlord can do this at any time after asking you to pay the past due rent and telling you about the lawsuit plan.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
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