Bill > HB638

This bill aims to reduce the financial barriers for low-income individuals and families seeking rental housing by modifying the residential landlord-tenant code. Specifically, the bill prohibits landlords or their agents from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of such a report obtained within the past thirty days. Additionally, landlords cannot charge an application fee if a comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. The bill requires landlords to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report that is less than thirty days old. The legislature recognizes that the current rental application process can be costly for applicants, who may need to submit multiple applications in a competitive housing market. By allowing applicants to reuse background checks and screening reports, the bill seeks to reduce the economic hardship associated with applying for rental units and streamline the application process for both tenants and landlords.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=638&year=2026