Landlord Entering Without Notice in Hawaii: What Are My Rights?

1. A Hawaii landlord must give you at least 2 days notice before entering. The landlord may enter only during reasonable hours. Notice is not required in an emergency or where it is impracticable (not practical) to give it.

   Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-53(b)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

2. A Hawaii landlord must not abuse the right to enter your home. The landlord must not use it to harass (bother) you.

   Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-53(b)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

3. Your Hawaii landlord may ask to enter to inspect the property or supply services as agreed. You may not refuse in an unreasonable way.

   Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-53(a)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

4. You may not unreasonably refuse (say no without a good reason) a Hawaii landlord who asks to enter for a listed reason. The landlord may ask to inspect the home. The landlord may ask to make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, changes, or improvements. The landlord may ask to supply agreed services. The landlord may ask to show the home to buyers, mortgage lenders, or renters.

   Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-53(a)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

5. Besides the allowed reasons for entry, a Hawaii landlord may enter only with a court order. Entry is also allowed if you appear to have abandoned (left for good) the home. Another section lets the landlord enter during your extended absence (time away) to inspect, maintain, and keep the home safe, as reasonably necessary.

   Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-53(c) Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-70(b)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

6. If you are away for a long time, your Hawaii landlord may enter if needed to check, care for, and keep the home safe.

   Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-70(b)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

7. If you say no to your Hawaii landlord in an unreasonable way, you must pay for the damage it directly caused.

   Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-73(a)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

8. A Hawaii landlord must pay you for theft or other damage that an entry into your home causes. This covers entry by the landlord or by someone the landlord lets in. It applies in 3 cases. First, you were away and said no to a specific entry after the landlord told you about it. Second, you were home and able to agree, and the landlord entered without your actual consent. Third, the landlord's negligence (lack of care) caused the damage. An entry in an emergency such as fire is not covered. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

   RenterLaw editorial Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-73(b)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

9. If your Hawaii landlord keeps demanding unreasonable entry, you may end your lease. If a court later disagrees, you can owe the rent and face eviction. Get legal help first.

   RenterLaw editorial Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-73(c)(1)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

10. A Hawaii circuit court judge may order a landlord to stop unreasonable entry with an injunction (a court order to stop). The judge may also fine the landlord up to $100.

    Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-73(c)(2)-(3)

    ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

11. A Hawaii lease cannot let your landlord out of paying for entry damage. You can still agree to one entry.

    Hawaii Revised Statutes HRS § 521-73(d)

    ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

12. Write down the date and time of each entry and any notice you got. Keep photos or messages that show what happened.

    RenterLaw editorial

Is something on this page wrong or out of date? Tell us.