AG’s Office Investigating Illegal Rent Increases And Evictions On Maui
An emergency proclamation froze rents at their pre-fire levels.
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez announced Monday her office is investigating reports of rent hikes and evictions on Maui following the Aug. 8 fires.
In a press release, Lopez said rent increases are illegal under Gov. Josh Green’s seventh emergency proclamation. Tenants who receive higher bills or, are threatened with eviction are encouraged to report their landlords to the AG’s office.
“The purpose of the rent and eviction restrictions in the Emergency Proclamation is to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis caused by the August wildfires. If you believe that a landlord on Maui is acting illegally under the Emergency Proclamation, report what you know to the Department of the Attorney General,” said Lopez.
Potential renters who identify units with higher rents than assessed on Aug. 9, are also advised to file a report.
Green’s Sept. 9 proclamation , effectively freezing residential rentals at their pre-Aug. 9 value – barring legitimate expenses incurred by sellers and landlords.
There is also an ongoing eviction moratorium, meaning landlords are prohibited from initiating or evicting renters who fail to pay rent, utilities or other costs.
Even threatening a renter with eviction is illegal and subject to potential civil penalties of up to $10,000 a day.
However, agreements with built-in rent increases that were signed before the fire are legal and can still proceed.
Complaints can be submitted via email at hawaiiag@hawaii.gov, the office said.
