Hawaii Consent by Landlord to Sublease

Your roommate is not required to get your consent for a sublease unless your lease agreement explicitly states that they have to. There are no laws that prevent your roommate from subletting without your consent.

The Bottom Line: According to the law in Hawaii, you are allowed to sublet as long as your lease does not prohibit it. You should always obtain written approval from your landlord prior to subletting.

The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse to give consent. Usually, the only reason the landlord can refuse consent is if the sub-tenancy would result in overcrowding of the premises or a breach of the tenancy agreement with the head-tenant.

If a court finds you guilty of the first offence of unlawful subletting, you can be fined in the magistrates' court.At the magistrates' court, you can get up to six months in prison or a fine, or both. At the Crown Court the maximum penalty is imprisonment for two years or a fine, or both.

Why Is Subletting Not Allowed At Some Properties? The most common reason for not allowing subletting at a property is the increased risk of financial loss, property damage, or misleading tenants. Adding more tenants or switching tenants through a sublease during a tenancy adds work and risk for the landlord.

The landlord cannot refuse the assignment or sublet unless there is a good reason, such as the proposed tenant's inability to pay the rent or problematic behavior of this tenant. This is the case no matter what your lease or the building rules say.

Each state has different laws regarding subtenancy, with most landlords prohibiting subletting a property without prior permission. If subletting occurs without the landlord's knowledge, that landlord has the right to serve a three-day notice of eviction to both the tenant and the sublessor.