What is Act 202?

Asked by: Ova Raynor  |  Last update: July 1, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (49 votes)

Act 202, signed into law on July 5, 2024, provides tenants with the option of mediation to avoid eviction. Mediation is not automatically required but becomes a mandatory step only if the tenant requests mediation and schedules it within 15 days after receiving the landlord's notice.

How long does it take to evict someone in Hawaii?

Evictions begin with a zero-to-ten-day notice based on the type of lease violation, followed by a court filing, summons, hearing, and—if needed—sheriff-assisted removal. Evictions in Hawaii can take one to four months and involve multiple fees, so understanding local procedures is key to minimizing delays and costs.

Is there a moratorium on eviction in Maui?

Act 202 & The End of Maui Eviction Moratorium

Act 202, passed in 2024 and effective February 5, 2025, requires landlords in Maui County to go through a free mediation process before filing eviction cases related to unpaid rent after the wildfire moratorium.

Can a tenant be evicted immediately?

While landlords do have the right to request immediate eviction, the notice must be issued in line with the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act). This law protects tenants from unlawful evictions and ensures that proper procedures are followed.

What not to say to your landlord?

What not to say to your landlord? Never say, "I lost my job" or "I can't pay rent this month." These statements can alarm your landlord and lead to trust issues. Instead of making alarming statements, it's better to discuss any difficulties you might be facing in a constructive way.

Act 202

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What's the quickest way to get someone out of your house?

The Legal Eviction Process for Family Members

This typically starts with serving a notice to vacate, which tells the person they must leave the property by a specific date. If they don't comply, the next step is to file an unlawful detainer case with your local court.

How to evict a freeloader?

If a lodger in California refuses to leave after 30 days, they can be kicked out without going through a court-ordered eviction process, because after the 30-day mark, they are officially trespassing. At this point, you could call the police.

Can I sell my house for $1 to a family member?

He adds that some people might believe that selling a property for $1 means there is consideration involved and the transaction is binding. However, you can transfer property either as a complete gift or for a nominal amount like $1, and both methods are legally valid.

How much notice do you need to give to evict someone?

The notice period will usually be 4 months if your tenant has not done anything wrong. It may be 2 months in some specialist cases. The notice period may be shorter if your tenant is at fault, for example, they owe you rent. Your tenant does not have to leave during the notice period.

What are common eviction mistakes to avoid?

In failure to pay rent cases, one of the most common mistakes is including more than just rent on the Demand for Rent. Sometimes, landlords add late fees, interest or penalties to the rental amount. Doing this can be fatal to your eviction case, as only rent should be included on a demand for rent.

What is the 90 day rule in Hawaii?

In Honolulu, short-term rentals outside of designated resort areas are subject to a minimum 90-day rental period, a rule established by Ordinance 22-7 (Bill 41, 2022).

Can I live on $4000 a month in Hawaii?

Yes, you can live in Hawaii on $4,000 a month, but it requires a very strict budget, likely necessitating a roommate, living in a studio/Ohana unit, and minimizing discretionary spending. This amount is tight for a single person in high-cost areas like Honolulu or Maui, where a comfortable lifestyle often requires $4,800–$6,200 monthly, but it is manageable on the Big Island or in rural areas.

What are red flags for landlords?

Look for eviction history, criminal records, and credit health. Verify employment and income. Ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters. Contact previous landlords.

What is a revenge eviction?

A revenge eviction, also known as a retaliatory eviction, occurs when tenant makes a legitimate complaint to their landlord about the condition of their property and, in response, instead of making the repair, their landlord serves them with an eviction notice.

What decreases property value the most?

Deferred maintenance (roof damage, mold, faulty plumbing), structural issues, and poor location factors—like high noise pollution, proximity to landfills, or high-crime areas—decrease property value the most. Other top value-killers include outdated kitchens/baths, DIY renovations without permits, and messy, unmaintained neighboring properties.

What's the shortest eviction notice?

Eviction is a legal process a landlord uses to make you move out. To evict you, your landlord must give you a 3, 30, 60 or 90-day notice. If you get one of these, it's important that you take action, like pay the rent you owe, move out, or get legal help.

What happens if someone refuses to leave?

If someone refuses to leave your property, you should first ask them to leave, then call the police if they don't comply, and document the incident for potential future reference. "I had to call the cops on a friend who wouldn't leave my property. They came and escorted him out."

How does the new Hawaii law change the eviction process?

Act 202, signed into law on July 5, 2024, provides tenants with the option of mediation to avoid eviction. Mediation is not automatically required but becomes a mandatory step only if the tenant requests mediation and schedules it within 15 days after receiving the landlord's notice.

What's the easiest way to evict a tenant?

If you want a tenant to move out, you must first tell them in writing. This is called giving notice. If they broke a rule in their rental agreement, you must tell them what they did wrong. If they don't fix the problem or move out, you'll need to ask the court for an order to make them leave.

On what grounds can a tenant be evicted?

Your landlord can only evict you for certain reasons, for example: you have not paid the rent. you are committing antisocial behaviour.

What is the best excuse to break a lease?

The best, legally sound excuses to break a lease without penalty include active military duty, unit uninhabitability (safety/health hazards), domestic violence, or illegal landlord activity (e.g., lack of occupancy certificate). For non-legal reasons, negotiating due to job relocation or severe financial hardship is often successful, especially if you help find a replacement tenant.

What not to say to a landlord?

Certain things are better left unsaid, such as...

  • 'I hate my current landlord' Every potential landlord is going to ask why you're moving. ...
  • 'Let me ask you one more question' ...
  • 'I can't wait to get a puppy' ...
  • 'My partner works right up the street' ...
  • 'I move all the time'

Can I refuse to be evicted?

If you refuse to leave after the notice period has ended, your landlord can get a court order to evict you. It's best to leave when the notice period ends, otherwise you'll usually have to pay the court costs yourself. You'll have no legal right to stay if: they've given you the right notice.