Communication is key, so the first thing you have to do is document everything. Get a notebook to write down the date, time, and conversation when your landlord talks with you. Keep all your paperwork – the rental agreement, move-in inspection, text conversations, emails, phone call summaries, and all your proof of rental payments, deposits, etc. in one big folder, notebook, or document binder. Send a text or email recapping in person and phone conversations for a time stamped record of your conversation. Keep documenting everything throughout the entire time you rent/lease from this landlord!

These records will come in handy if any kind of issues pop up. And especially if you end up in court. You will need this info to make a report to the Hawaiʻi Attorney Generalʻs office or to support your case in front of a judge.

You got to know your rights as a tenant – no joke. Hawaiʻi has laws to protect tenants, like the right to have a safe and habitable place to stay. Make sure you check out all of the local tenant-landlord code and stay up to date on it because the laws can change, and especially with the recent proclamations from Governor Green and Mayor Bissen.

We highly recommend attending our monthly renter’s rights trainings. We go over all kinds of things that can help you understand your right’s and help you stay housed.

When you got issues going on, make sure you talk story good with your landlord. Then document it all – write it down in a notebook, in an email, or even a text. There is no need to get into drama or disagreements with them, just keep it calm and professional. Write down anything and everything you talk about, so you have all of it in records. And make sure to remind them about the rent freeze and eviction moratorium if that is relevant.

Don’t escalate and don’t withhold your rent. Just because someone is being difficult doesn’t change your obligation to pay your rent.

If you and your landlord keep butting heads, try to go to mediation. Maui Mediation Services can help you try and work things out without having to go to court. Check out the link to Maui Mediation Services to learn more about the mediation and representation services they provide.

Unfortuneately, sometimes you will need a lawyer. Attending our renter’s rights trainings can help figure out when that is. If your rent has been raised, make sure to contact the Hawaiʻi Attorney General who keeps investigating illegal rent increases and evictions on Maui. The AG can’t do it by themselves – they don’t know what they don’t know so you got to make sure they know it: just email them or fill out the reporting form on their website to get it going.

For other issues besides rent illegal rent increases, you can contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, S.O.U.L. Law Firm, or Pono Legal if you need personal representation from an attorney. If you’re just looking for information on the legal process, you can also check out the self help center at the Maui Court House.

Stay informed, because knowledge is power. Keep up with the local news and resources about tenant rights and housing laws on Maui. Make sure you know all the latest on the rent freeze. Plus, signup for our newsletter or to volunteer with Maui Housing Hui: you’ll keep up with everything that way too.