Are there any laws governing the exchange of keys between landlords and tenants?

Yes, there are laws governing the exchange of keys between landlords and tenants in Hawaii. According to Hawaii Revised Statute Chapter 521, landlords must provide tenants a written lease agreement specifying the terms of the rental and the amount of rent and security deposit due. This agreement must also include a clause requiring tenants to surrender the premises to the landlord with the keys at the end of their tenancy. This clause helps to protect both landlords and tenants in the event of a dispute or misunderstanding regarding the exchange of keys. Additionally, landlords are required by law to provide tenants with a specified number of copies of all the keys needed to safely and securely access the rental unit. This typically includes a key to the front entrance of the building, the unit itself, the mailbox, and any garages or storage units. Landlords must also provide tenants with the necessary keys for any locks they have installed in the unit, such as deadbolts or chains. When it comes to the exchange of keys at the end of the lease, landlords are obligated to provide tenants with the necessary documentation for the return of their security deposit. Additionally, if the lease is for a period of less than two years, the landlord must return the keys to the tenant at the end of the tenancy. If the lease is for two years or more, the tenant must deliver the keys to the landlord at the end of the tenancy.

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