Eviction notices not allowed

LIHU‘E — The County Housing Agency is reminding residents of the current federal and state protections that restrict landlords from issuing eviction notices for non-payment of rent.

While the federal CARES Act bars eviction notices until July 25, state law — under the governor’s 10th emergency proclamation related to the COVID-19 emergency — currently provides eviction protection until August 31.

Furthermore, all tenants must be given at least 45-days notice to vacate a property.

These dates could change under new state or federal emergency proclamations.

Additionally, the Housing Agency reminds the public that the CARES Act also imposes a moratorium on the foreclosure of any federally-backed loan until August 31.

Any person violating the governor’s eviction moratorium shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, the person shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

It is important to note that neither federal nor state moratoriums relieve tenants or property owners from the obligation to pay rent or make mortgage payments. These protections only defer payments to a future date.

Anyone who has received a notice of eviction or foreclosure in violation of the moratoriums described above should contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i for further guidance and assistance.

The Legal Aid Society’s toll-free phone number is 800-499-4302.

Editor’s Note: This story has been edited to reflect the correct number of days’ notice required for asking a tenant to vacate a property.