As a landlord, what do I need to do to ensure that my unit is rented out as quickly as possible? If there are no good applications for your rental after several weeks, it is advisable to lower the rental price in steady increments every week until you start getting good applications (not just more people coming to see the unit). This will determine what the price should be for the market at the time. It is less costly to lower the price and rent the unit out as quickly as possible than to have the property unrented for one or two months. You can always raise the rent once the initial lease ends.
Are utilities normally included with the rent? Most apartment/condo listings will only include water with the rent. Unless specified, tenants need to set up and pay electricity, telephone, and gas (if applicable). Most house listings, unless specified, do not include water with the rent.
Are taxes added on to the rent prices? Hawaii has a general excise tax which affects everything purchased, including food and medicine, at 4.5% on Oahu, 4% on the other islands. However, unless stated in the listing, the rent listed is usually the total rent that is paid per month.
How is the rental market in Honolulu? The rental market in Hawaii is not as bad as it was a few years ago but Hawaii is still a small area with finite space. Everyone wants to live here and no one wants to leave. Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the United States. You can anticipate paying 15% to 20% more for many things than you would normally pay on the mainland. This is especially true of rentals in Hawaii. Not only are they more expensive than what you would pay elsewhere, they are also smaller. Hawaii’s rental market is more expensive than New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California. The hardest areas to find decent rentals at reasonable prices are the areas around Hawaii Kai, Kailua, Diamond Head, and Kahala.
Do you have any information on security deposits? Most landlords and property managers require first month's rent and a security deposit equal to the amount of the rent. If rent is $1000, tenants will need $2000 to rent the unit ($1000 for the first month's rent, $1000 for the security deposit). Security deposit is required by Landlord Tenant code to be returned within 14 days after tenant has vacated the unit, minus any damages. To insure a full refund, tenants should clean the unit thoroughly, repair any damages, and return all keys on the termination date.
Why are credit reports from applicants a good idea? Applicants with poor credit ratings are shown to be more likely to pay the rent late, more likely to be irresponsible, and more likely to leave the unit in unsatisfactory condition.
I am a renter and am not sure if my credit is good. Over the years, I have occasionally been a little late with some credit card payments. Will this hurt my chances of renting? Get a free credit report on yourself (and your guarantor, if you need one) at www.annualcreditreport.com so that you can see what the landlord will see. If there is any negative credit information on you, you can be prepared, when you submit your application, to show how you resolved the situation - or rebut it if a creditor has made a mistake (they do, you know). If you have a less than desirable credit rating, it is even more important that you get good rental references from your current and former landlords stating that you were good tenants, paid the rent on time, and maintained the unit in excellent condition. Of course, if your credit is quite bad, you will probably need a guarantor.
I am a renter but am not sure what I should have ready when I apply for an apartment. To maximize your chances of getting a desirable apartment, have all your (and your guarantor's, if necessary) application information properly organized in advance. You can get a copy of the standard rental application form from the Honolulu Board of Realtors office at 1136 12th Ave # 200, Honolulu, HI 96816, (808) 732-3000. A copy of your ID, copy of your last 4 pay statements, copy of your credit score, and a reference from your previous landlords will give you an advantage over everyone else applying for the same unit.
How long are most rental leases and what happens if tenants have to break a lease or leave before the term is up? Most rental leases are either 6 months or 1 yr. If a tenant terminates the lease before the 6 months or 1 yr is up, they are responsible for the rent until a new tenant can be found and also for the costs to find a new tenant (fees to advertise the unit, etc.).
Where are the better public schools on Oahu? These are the better public schools on Oahu. They have met or exceeded the Hawaii State Academic Standards and are on the honor roll for the Stanford Achievement tests. The underlined schools are generally considered the top public schools on Oahu. Charter schools are normally not included with conventional public school rankings. Kaimuki, Kawananakoa, & Niu Valley, are usually considered the best middle schools.
Honolulu: Aina Haina Elementary, Ala Wai Elementary, Aliamanu Elementary, Aliiolani Elementary, Education Lab Charter School, Hahaione Elementary, Hickam Elementary, Hokulani Elementary, Kaahumanu Elementary, Ka'ewai Elementary, Kahala Elementary, Kaimuki Middle, Kalani High, Kaiser High, Kaiulani Elementary, Kamiloiki Elementary, Kapalama Elementary, Kawananakoa Middle, Koko Head Elementary, Kuhio Elementary, Lanikila Elementary , Liholiho Elementary, Lili'uokalani Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Lunalilo Elementary, Maemae Elementary, Manoa Elementary, McKinley High, Moanalua Elementary, Nimitz Elementary, Noelani Elementary, Niu Valley Middle, Nuuanu Elementary, Pauoa Elementary, Pearl Harbor Elementary, Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary, Puuhale Elementary, Radford High, Roosevelt High, Royal, Salt Lake Elementary, Shafter Elementary, Voyager Charter School, Waialae Elementary Charter School, Stevenson Middle, Waikiki Elementary, Wailupe Valley Elementary, Wilson Elementary
Central Oahu: Aiea Intermediate, Aliamanu Elementary, August Ahrens Elementary, Helemano Elementary, Hickam Elementary, Honowai Elementary, Iliahi Elementary, James Campbell High School, Kalei'opu'u Elementary, Kanoelani Elementary, Kipapa Elementary, Lehua Elementary, Makalapa Elementary, Manana Elementary, Mililani Ike Elementary, Mililani Mauka Elementary, Mililani Uka Elementary, Millilani Waena Elementary, Moanalua Elementary, Mokulele Elementary, Nimitz Elementary, Palisades Elementary, Pearl City Elementary, Pearl City Highlands Elementary, Pearl Harbor Elementary, Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary, Pearl Ridge Elementary, Radford High, Red Hill Elementary, Salt Lake Elementary, Shafter Elementary, Scott Elementary, Solomon Elementary, Waimalu Elementary, Webling Elementary
North Shore: Haleiwa Elementary, Ka'a'awa Elementary, Kahuku Elementary, Laie Elementary, Sunset Beach Elementary, Waialua Elementary,Waialua High, Waiau Elementary
Leeward: Barbers Point Elementary, Ewa Beach Elementary, Ewa Elementary, Holomua Elementary, Iroquois Point Elementary, Ka Waihona o ka Naauao New Century Charter School, Kaimiloa Elementary, Manana Elementary, Makakilo Elementary, Momilani Elementary, Pohakea Elementary, Waiau Elementary.
Windward: Aikahi Elementary, Enchanted Lake Elementary, Heeia Elementary, Ka'elepulu Elementary, Kailua Elementary, Kainalu Elementary, Kaneohe Elementary, Kapunahala Elementary, Ka'a'awa Elementary, Lā‘ie Elementary, Lanikai Elementary Charter School, Maunawili Elementary, Mokapu Elementary, Parker Elementary
Utilities Contact Information:
Terms of Services
Tenant Finders Hawaii is a tenant screening service. Tenant Finders Hawaii will not negotiate, manage, represent nor participate in the actual transaction between tenants and landlords; therefore we have no control over the quality, condition, or legality of the unit advertised. Further, Tenant Finders Hawaii does not guarantee or control whether the transaction between buyers and sellers is successfully completed. You understand and agree that Tenant Finders Hawaii shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages for loss of funds, rents, or other intangible losses. The information provided herein regarding rental property is deemed accurate and reliable but is not guaranteed. We cannot allow minors to use our services unless it is with and in conjunction with a parent or legal guardian.
Anti-Discrimination Policy-
Tenant Finders Hawaii will not knowingly include advertising that can be considered as discriminatory, nor shall it infringe on any rights nor violate any law, statute, ordinance or regulations. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Hawaii.
Indemnification
We do not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted, secure access to our services due to circumstances beyond our control. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Tenant Finders Hawaii affiliates, officers, agents, partners, and employees from any and all losses, liabilities, claims, suits, damages, fines, penalties, and any costs of remediation in connection with the use of our services. Should you object to any of the terms contained herein, or become dissatisfied with our service in any way, your sole recourse is to immediately discontinue use of our service. Failure to enforce any of the provisions of this agreement or rights shall in no way be considered a waiver of such provisions or rights or in any way effect the validity of this agreement.
Privacy
We respect your personal right to privacy. Tenant Finders Hawaii is strongly committed to protecting your privacy in the use of our interactive products and services. We have controls in place to protect your confidentiality and maintain security. We will not knowingly supply your contact information to any parties unless directed to do so by you.
Are utilities normally included with the rent? Most apartment/condo listings will only include water with the rent. Unless specified, tenants need to set up and pay electricity, telephone, and gas (if applicable). Most house listings, unless specified, do not include water with the rent.
Are taxes added on to the rent prices? Hawaii has a general excise tax which affects everything purchased, including food and medicine, at 4.5% on Oahu, 4% on the other islands. However, unless stated in the listing, the rent listed is usually the total rent that is paid per month.
How is the rental market in Honolulu? The rental market in Hawaii is not as bad as it was a few years ago but Hawaii is still a small area with finite space. Everyone wants to live here and no one wants to leave. Hawaii has one of the highest costs of living in the United States. You can anticipate paying 15% to 20% more for many things than you would normally pay on the mainland. This is especially true of rentals in Hawaii. Not only are they more expensive than what you would pay elsewhere, they are also smaller. Hawaii’s rental market is more expensive than New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California. The hardest areas to find decent rentals at reasonable prices are the areas around Hawaii Kai, Kailua, Diamond Head, and Kahala.
Do you have any information on security deposits? Most landlords and property managers require first month's rent and a security deposit equal to the amount of the rent. If rent is $1000, tenants will need $2000 to rent the unit ($1000 for the first month's rent, $1000 for the security deposit). Security deposit is required by Landlord Tenant code to be returned within 14 days after tenant has vacated the unit, minus any damages. To insure a full refund, tenants should clean the unit thoroughly, repair any damages, and return all keys on the termination date.
Why are credit reports from applicants a good idea? Applicants with poor credit ratings are shown to be more likely to pay the rent late, more likely to be irresponsible, and more likely to leave the unit in unsatisfactory condition.
I am a renter and am not sure if my credit is good. Over the years, I have occasionally been a little late with some credit card payments. Will this hurt my chances of renting? Get a free credit report on yourself (and your guarantor, if you need one) at www.annualcreditreport.com so that you can see what the landlord will see. If there is any negative credit information on you, you can be prepared, when you submit your application, to show how you resolved the situation - or rebut it if a creditor has made a mistake (they do, you know). If you have a less than desirable credit rating, it is even more important that you get good rental references from your current and former landlords stating that you were good tenants, paid the rent on time, and maintained the unit in excellent condition. Of course, if your credit is quite bad, you will probably need a guarantor.
I am a renter but am not sure what I should have ready when I apply for an apartment. To maximize your chances of getting a desirable apartment, have all your (and your guarantor's, if necessary) application information properly organized in advance. You can get a copy of the standard rental application form from the Honolulu Board of Realtors office at 1136 12th Ave # 200, Honolulu, HI 96816, (808) 732-3000. A copy of your ID, copy of your last 4 pay statements, copy of your credit score, and a reference from your previous landlords will give you an advantage over everyone else applying for the same unit.
How long are most rental leases and what happens if tenants have to break a lease or leave before the term is up? Most rental leases are either 6 months or 1 yr. If a tenant terminates the lease before the 6 months or 1 yr is up, they are responsible for the rent until a new tenant can be found and also for the costs to find a new tenant (fees to advertise the unit, etc.).
Where are the better public schools on Oahu? These are the better public schools on Oahu. They have met or exceeded the Hawaii State Academic Standards and are on the honor roll for the Stanford Achievement tests. The underlined schools are generally considered the top public schools on Oahu. Charter schools are normally not included with conventional public school rankings. Kaimuki, Kawananakoa, & Niu Valley, are usually considered the best middle schools.
Honolulu: Aina Haina Elementary, Ala Wai Elementary, Aliamanu Elementary, Aliiolani Elementary, Education Lab Charter School, Hahaione Elementary, Hickam Elementary, Hokulani Elementary, Kaahumanu Elementary, Ka'ewai Elementary, Kahala Elementary, Kaimuki Middle, Kalani High, Kaiser High, Kaiulani Elementary, Kamiloiki Elementary, Kapalama Elementary, Kawananakoa Middle, Koko Head Elementary, Kuhio Elementary, Lanikila Elementary , Liholiho Elementary, Lili'uokalani Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Lunalilo Elementary, Maemae Elementary, Manoa Elementary, McKinley High, Moanalua Elementary, Nimitz Elementary, Noelani Elementary, Niu Valley Middle, Nuuanu Elementary, Pauoa Elementary, Pearl Harbor Elementary, Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary, Puuhale Elementary, Radford High, Roosevelt High, Royal, Salt Lake Elementary, Shafter Elementary, Voyager Charter School, Waialae Elementary Charter School, Stevenson Middle, Waikiki Elementary, Wailupe Valley Elementary, Wilson Elementary
Central Oahu: Aiea Intermediate, Aliamanu Elementary, August Ahrens Elementary, Helemano Elementary, Hickam Elementary, Honowai Elementary, Iliahi Elementary, James Campbell High School, Kalei'opu'u Elementary, Kanoelani Elementary, Kipapa Elementary, Lehua Elementary, Makalapa Elementary, Manana Elementary, Mililani Ike Elementary, Mililani Mauka Elementary, Mililani Uka Elementary, Millilani Waena Elementary, Moanalua Elementary, Mokulele Elementary, Nimitz Elementary, Palisades Elementary, Pearl City Elementary, Pearl City Highlands Elementary, Pearl Harbor Elementary, Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary, Pearl Ridge Elementary, Radford High, Red Hill Elementary, Salt Lake Elementary, Shafter Elementary, Scott Elementary, Solomon Elementary, Waimalu Elementary, Webling Elementary
North Shore: Haleiwa Elementary, Ka'a'awa Elementary, Kahuku Elementary, Laie Elementary, Sunset Beach Elementary, Waialua Elementary,Waialua High, Waiau Elementary
Leeward: Barbers Point Elementary, Ewa Beach Elementary, Ewa Elementary, Holomua Elementary, Iroquois Point Elementary, Ka Waihona o ka Naauao New Century Charter School, Kaimiloa Elementary, Manana Elementary, Makakilo Elementary, Momilani Elementary, Pohakea Elementary, Waiau Elementary.
Windward: Aikahi Elementary, Enchanted Lake Elementary, Heeia Elementary, Ka'elepulu Elementary, Kailua Elementary, Kainalu Elementary, Kaneohe Elementary, Kapunahala Elementary, Ka'a'awa Elementary, Lā‘ie Elementary, Lanikai Elementary Charter School, Maunawili Elementary, Mokapu Elementary, Parker Elementary
Utilities Contact Information:
- Hawaiian Electric Company
(808) 548-7311
http://www.heco.com - Honolulu Board of Water Supply
(808) 748-5000
(808) 748-5010 emergency
http://www.hbws.org - The Gas Company
(808) 535-5933
(808) 526-0066 emergency
http://www.hawaiigas.com - Oceanic Cable
(808) 643-2100
http://www.oceanic.com - Hawaiian Telcom
(808) 643-3456
http://www.hawaiiantel.com
Terms of Services
Tenant Finders Hawaii is a tenant screening service. Tenant Finders Hawaii will not negotiate, manage, represent nor participate in the actual transaction between tenants and landlords; therefore we have no control over the quality, condition, or legality of the unit advertised. Further, Tenant Finders Hawaii does not guarantee or control whether the transaction between buyers and sellers is successfully completed. You understand and agree that Tenant Finders Hawaii shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages for loss of funds, rents, or other intangible losses. The information provided herein regarding rental property is deemed accurate and reliable but is not guaranteed. We cannot allow minors to use our services unless it is with and in conjunction with a parent or legal guardian.
Anti-Discrimination Policy-
Tenant Finders Hawaii will not knowingly include advertising that can be considered as discriminatory, nor shall it infringe on any rights nor violate any law, statute, ordinance or regulations. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Hawaii.
Indemnification
We do not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted, secure access to our services due to circumstances beyond our control. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Tenant Finders Hawaii affiliates, officers, agents, partners, and employees from any and all losses, liabilities, claims, suits, damages, fines, penalties, and any costs of remediation in connection with the use of our services. Should you object to any of the terms contained herein, or become dissatisfied with our service in any way, your sole recourse is to immediately discontinue use of our service. Failure to enforce any of the provisions of this agreement or rights shall in no way be considered a waiver of such provisions or rights or in any way effect the validity of this agreement.
Privacy
We respect your personal right to privacy. Tenant Finders Hawaii is strongly committed to protecting your privacy in the use of our interactive products and services. We have controls in place to protect your confidentiality and maintain security. We will not knowingly supply your contact information to any parties unless directed to do so by you.