Among the cases I've looked into, there are quite a few instances where children rent out their parents' long-time home in Honolulu. The parents move to a care facility, and since it's a shame to leave the house empty, they look into renting it out. Hawaii has many rental regulations that differ from the mainland, so it can feel unfamiliar at first.

Looking at the recent market, the average rent in Honolulu is $2,151 according to RentCafe. This is a 4.57 percent increase from the previous year. Zumper reports a higher figure of $2,700 for urban Honolulu, which is an 8 percent increase from last year. The difference in these figures seems to be due to the different sample areas and types of listings. Even within Oahu, there are significant price differences by area, so comparing a few listings with similar conditions to the neighborhood where your parents lived can help determine the actual rent price.

Once you've set the rent price, you need to find tenants. It's standard to post on Zillow or Apartments.com, and rather than signing a lease immediately upon receiving inquiries, it's better to check the following items first:

• Credit report results
• Proof of income
• Previous rental history
• Background check consent

From what I've seen, many condos in Honolulu have their own regulations regarding rental periods and approval processes. Before renting, it's important to check the HOA regulations of the building. Prepare several photos taken during the day for advertising, and accurately list the number of bedrooms and parking availability to increase inquiries.

Sometimes, in a rush to hand over the property to someone they know, owners may overlook important paperwork. While this may provide peace of mind, it can lead to the burden of hastily completed documents. If the tenant is not family, it's better to adhere to the proper procedures.

The lease agreement should clearly state the rent amount, payment date, security deposit amount, and maintenance responsibilities. Hawaii law sets the maximum security deposit at one month's rent, and an additional month's rent can be charged if there are pets. This is based on Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 521-44. After the tenant moves out, the security deposit must be returned or a deduction notice must be provided in writing within 14 days. It's worth noting that this return period is much shorter than in Georgia or other mainland states. If the deadline is missed, the right to deductions is lost, and if it's recognized that the deposit was wrongfully withheld, it could lead to triple damages.

If rent is overdue, a written notice must be sent within 10 days according to regulations that took effect on February 5, 2026, and if the tenant requests mediation, the process can extend up to 20 days. For contract violations, a 10-day correction notice is required, and if you want to terminate a month-to-month lease without special reasons, a 45-day notice is necessary. For those coming from the mainland, this longer period may feel unfamiliar.

Even if you start the eviction process due to unpaid rent, the house won't be vacated immediately. After the notice, the tenant has time to respond, and if mediation is involved, it can take even longer. Many from the mainland often feel that Hawaii places more emphasis on tenant protection in this regard.

Before the tenant moves in, it's advisable to document the condition of the house with photos and videos and check it with the tenant. Since you need to settle everything within the short 14-day return period, it's especially important to develop the habit of keeping records in advance.

Insurance issues are also worth addressing. For condos, it's common to have personal insurance that covers interior finishes and tenant liabilities in addition to the building's insurance. As the contract nears its end, it's easier for both parties to agree on renewal and rent adjustments in advance.

Some landlords include a clause requiring tenants to obtain renters insurance. For condos, it's particularly important to inform tenants in advance that the coverage of the building's insurance and personal belongings differs.

This article is intended to provide general information, and it's advisable to consult a real estate professional or attorney before entering into any contracts.