HI HB1879

Establishes a new section 521 in Hawaii Revised Statutes authorizing landlords to charge applicants a nonrefundable application screening fee to cover costs of background checks, credit reports, reference checks, and processing time.

Caps the application screening fee at $25 per applicant.

Prohibits landlords from charging an application screening fee when they know or should know the rental unit is unavailable or will not become available within the timeframe stated in advertisements or written notices.

Requires landlords to allow applicants who paid the fee to inspect their credit report in person during normal business hours upon request.

Allows applicants to request waiver of subsequent application screening fees for up to three months after the original application when applying to rent other properties owned or managed by the same landlord.