Landlord - Tenant / Rental Assistance:
Governor David Ige’s recent emergency proclamations concerning the coronavirus has invoked special legal requirements applicable to landlords and tenants in Hawaii. The following resources offer information about your rights and best practices to adopt during this time.
The state's Eviction Moratorium ends on August 6, 2021 at 11:59 PM and Act 57, the new eviction law, will take effect on August 7th. All landlords will be required to agree to mediation before seeking summary possession eviction of any residential tenant.
If you or someone you know may be impacted when the moratorium ends, here are resources to help understand what landlords and tenants must do under Act 57:
- Eviction Mediation Forum – What Landlords and Tenants on O’ahu Need to Know (webinar recording - Mediation Center of the Pacific, July 21, 2021)
- Act 57 - What Happens When the Moratorium on Eviction Ends
- Mediation Center of the Pacific - Eviction Mediation Program Related to Act 57 (includes multi-language information)
- Legal Aid Society information
- Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
- Find rental assistance in your area
- COVID-19 Landlord Tenant FAQs - Office of Consumer Protection
- DHHL Rent Relief Program (administered by Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement) - New
- Aloha United Way - Hawaii Utility Bill Assistance Program - New
- Catholic Charities Hawaii - COVID-19 Related Assistance | Rent Assistance | Website
- State of Hawai‘i’s Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program - now closed. Check your application status – Updated
- Hawaii Homeownership Center - includes Q&A COVID-19 Impact: Housing Issues
- Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaii Community Lending - Special Hawaii Emergency Loan Program – Security Deposit Collateral Loan
- Kahiau Community Assistance Program - Emergency financial assistance - no new applications accepted at this time - Updated
- Assistance for certain homeowners and renters (federal programs)
- Hoʻāla Assistance Program - no new applications accepted at this time - Updated
Mortgage Relief:
Owners should contact their mortgage servicers/lenders to discuss their options. Local financial institutions also offer various relief options (deferral and forbearance programs and more) for customers facing payment challenges during this time.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency | Fannie Mae | Freddie Mac
- HUD / Federal Housing Administration | USDA Rural Development - SFH | VA
- Assistance for certain homeowners and renters (federal programs)
- Mortgage and Personal Finance FAQs | Download PDF
More Resources:
The following links include more about how individuals and businesses can protect their financial health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Homeowners should beware of scams during COVID-19 outbreak
- Expanded unemployment insurance (including independent contractors)
- Support for small businesses
- Aloha United Way 211 hotline: resource for those impacted by COVID-19 and need help
- Mediation Center of the Pacific’s Rapid Response Program is a free mediation program to assist tenants and landlords, who have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, negotiate plans to help tenants pay rent and stay in their homes.
- Protect Your Investment - A Guide for At Risk Homeowners: offers guidance on payment options provided by lenders and tips for avoiding scams.
Note: Residents and local businesses can find important resources and information at Economic & Community Recovery Navigator.