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HRS §516D-12

Rent renegotiation arbitration

Every residential lease must include a promise to use arbitration if rent is renegotiated. If the lease lacks that promise, a default arbitration process applies: three appraisers decide the rent, and the decision is final. Each side pays half the costs, not including lawyer fees.

landlordstenants

The statute, as written — Mandatory arbitration of rent renegotiation

(a) Every residential lease shall contain a provision for the mandatory arbitration of any rent renegotiation reopening. (b) In the event that a residential lease does not contain a mandatory arbitration provision, the following arbitration procedure shall apply: (1) Rent shall be determined by three impartial arbitrators, who shall be recognized real estate appraisers; (2) Each party shall select an arbitrator, both of whom shall select the third arbitrator; (3) The three arbitrators shall determine the rent renegotiation which shall be final, conclusive, and binding on both parties; and (4) Lessor and lessee shall each pay one-half of all proper costs and expenses other than attorneys' fees.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.