The key feature of HB 1339 is the amendment of Section 521-21 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. It mandates that for fixed-term tenancies, landlords must notify tenants about any intent to raise rents or terminate their lease agreements at least ninety days before expiration, or one hundred twenty days for long-term leases exceeding two years. Additionally, the required notice for month-to-month tenancies is increased from forty-five to ninety days. These changes are designed to create a more predictable living environment for tenants, allowing them ample time to find new housing if needed.
House Bill 1339 addresses the pressing need for improved tenant protections in Hawaii's challenging rental market. The bill recognizes the increasing housing insecurity faced by working families, primarily caused by arbitrary lease nonrenewals by landlords. This situation typically results in numerous renters losing their homes without formal eviction processes, leading to financial distress and emotional challenges for affected individuals. Understanding this significant issue, the bill aims to enhance the notice periods that landlords must provide to tenants regarding lease agreements and rent increases.
While proponents of the bill argue that it provides essential protections to vulnerable tenants, concerns about potential pushback from landlords have been raised. Opponents may view the extended notice requirements as an undue burden on property owners, complicating their ability to manage rental agreements flexibly. Nonetheless, the intention behind HB 1339 is to strike a balance between landlord interests and safeguarding tenants against abrupt housing instability, promoting fairness within the residential rental market.