The Fair Housing Act

As a renter in Hawai'i, it's important to understand your rights under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on protected classes such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, HIV status, and gender identity or expression. Hawai'i’s fair housing laws provide even more protections than the federal law. This law applies to all aspects of the housing industry, including rental housing. In Hawai'i, the Hawai'i Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) is the state agency that enforces the Fair Housing Act and investigates complaints of housing discrimination. Landlords in Hawai'i must comply with the Fair Housing Act and ensure that all tenants are treated equally and fairly in the rental process.

For further reading, you can visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's website.

Please note that the information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. This column is not a substitute for seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney or other qualified professional. Every rental situation is unique and subject to different laws and regulations. We encourage you to conduct your own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions regarding your rental situation.