Honolulu (Oʻahu) rental compliance

Honolulu's compliance approach

Honolulu differs from many mainland cities in that there isn't a standard "city licensing inspection" program for long-term rentals. Compliance focuses on state tax licensing (GET) and, for short-term rentals, Honolulu DPP STR registration.

Long-term rentals (180+ consecutive days)

For long-term rentals, there is no standard city-performed habitability inspection upfront. Compliance leans on:

• State tax licensing (GET registration and ongoing filings)
• State landlord-tenant code obligations
• Code enforcement when issues arise (DPP provides a contact line for housing code inspections/complaints/investigations)

If housing code complaints arise, DPP can inspect for code issues, but this is complaint-driven rather than a routine licensing inspection.

Short-term rentals (<180 consecutive days)

STR requirements are program-specific and focus on registration/eligibility and enforcement rather than routine inspections:

• Zoning/eligibility verification (resort areas, valid registrations, or grandfathered NUC)
• DPP STR registration requirements
• Enforcement activity (DPP provides an STR enforcement contact line and has public messaging around enforcement activity)

For property condition issues and housing code complaints, DPP lists a housing code inspections/complaints phone line, but this is complaint-driven rather than a routine STR inspection.

Housing code inspections (complaint-driven)

DPP provides a contact line for housing code inspections/complaints/investigations. This is commonly relevant when addressing housing-code issues rather than a routine "license inspection" for all rentals.

If complaints arise, DPP can inspect for code issues. We help ensure your property meets basic habitability standards to avoid complaint-driven inspections.

How we help with compliance

As part of our Honolulu (Oʻahu) rental compliance service, we can:

• Determine whether your rental is long-term or short-term and map the appropriate compliance track
• Set up GET (and TAT if applicable) registration and filing cadence
• For STRs: manage DPP registration/renewal workflow and verify eligibility
• Help ensure your property meets basic habitability standards to avoid complaint-driven inspections
• Track ongoing compliance requirements and renewal deadlines
• Coordinate with DPP or DOTAX if questions arise

Best practices for compliance

To maintain compliance and avoid issues:

• Register for appropriate tax licenses (GET for all rentals, TAT for STRs)
• File periodic and annual tax returns as required
• For STRs: maintain valid DPP registration and renew annually
• Ensure properties meet basic habitability standards
• Keep all registrations and filings current

We help identify potential compliance issues before they become problems and ensure all registrations and filings stay current.