LOCAL RULES: HRS 521-53

Hawaii notice of entry requirements

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  • Two days' notice, entry during reasonable hours
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Hawaii's Residential Landlord-Tenant Code asks for at least two days' notice before a landlord enters, during reasonable hours. It also makes the landlord answer for theft or damage after an entry the tenant refused or did not consent to. Here is each rule with a link to the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Last reviewed October 26, 2026 against the official sources listed below.

Notice of entryHAWAII / FREE CALCULATOR

Notice period and entry times

WhatWhenRule
Notice givenNovember 2, 2026 (attached to the door)HRS s. 521-53 (b)
Earliest lawful entry without the tenant's consentNovember 4, 2026HRS s. 521-53 (b)
Planned entryNovember 4, 2026: after the notice periodHRS s. 521-53 (b)
Hours of entryDuring reasonable hoursHRS s. 521-53 (b)
What the notice must sayAt least two days' notice of the intent to enter, except in an emergency or where it is impracticableHRS s. 521-53 (b)

Emergencies, an abandoned unit and the tenant's consent at the time of entry follow their own rules (listed on this page). A lease may give the tenant more notice; check it.

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What Hawaii requires

  • The tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to enter to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply agreed services, or show the unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees or tenants; a tenant who unreasonably refuses is liable for the damage it causesHRS s. 521-53 (a) · HRS s. 521-73 (a)
  • Except in an emergency or where impracticable, the landlord gives at least two days' notice of the intent to enter and enters only during reasonable hours; the landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass the tenantHRS s. 521-53 (b)
  • The landlord has no other right of entry except by court order, when the tenant appears to have abandoned the premises, or during an extended absence, when the landlord may enter as reasonably necessary for inspection, maintenance and safekeepingHRS s. 521-53 (c) · HRS s. 521-70 (b)
  • Except for an emergency such as fire, the landlord is liable for theft, casualty or other damage caused by an entry made when the absent tenant refused that specific entry after notice, without the actual consent of a tenant who is present and able to consent, or through the landlord's negligenceHRS s. 521-73 (b)
  • For repeated unreasonable demands or an unreasonable entry without consent, the tenant may end the rental agreement, a circuit court may issue an injunction and assess a fine of up to 100 dollars; a clause exempting the landlord from this liability is void, except consent to a particular entryHRS s. 521-73 (c), (d)

Two days, reasonable hours

Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, give at least two days' notice of your intent to enter and come during reasonable hours. The tenant may not unreasonably refuse inspections, repairs, agreed services or showings, and is liable for damage an unreasonable refusal causes.

Other entry

Beyond notice, entry comes only from a court order, an apparently abandoned unit, or a tenant's extended absence, when you may enter as reasonably needed to inspect, maintain and keep the unit safe.

Liability and penalties

If the tenant refused a specific entry after your notice, or was home and did not consent, you are liable for theft or damage from that entry (an emergency such as fire excepted). Repeated unreasonable entry can end the lease and bring an injunction and a fine of up to 100 dollars. A lease clause excusing you is void.

Common mistakes

  • Entering the next day after a one-day notice: Hawaii asks for two days.
  • Going ahead after the tenant refused a specific entry: the landlord then answers for any loss.
  • A lease clause excusing the landlord from entry liability: it is void.

Sources

Last reviewed October 26, 2026. Next review due January 26, 2027. This page explains published rules to help you write your report. It is not legal advice; the official text linked above governs.