Bill > HB699

This bill aims to address housing challenges for pet owners by implementing two key protections: First, it prohibits landlords from charging additional monthly fees for pets, with a narrow exception allowing multi-dwelling unit landlords to charge up to 0.5 percent of gross rent specifically for maintaining pet-dedicated common areas. Second, the bill limits the security deposit landlords can charge for pets to no more than one-third of one month's rent, and explicitly states that this additional deposit cannot be required for tenants without pets or for assistance animals used by tenants with disabilities. The legislative findings highlight a significant problem where pet owners face housing barriers, with a survey on Oahu revealing that 30 percent of respondents were forced to surrender a pet in the past five years, primarily due to a lack of pet-friendly housing. By restricting extra pet-related fees and deposits, the bill seeks to make renting more accessible for pet owners and reduce the number of pets being surrendered or rehomed. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, and will apply to all new and renewed rental agreements from that date forward.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=699&year=2026