HRC-FAQS

HONOLULU RENTAL CENTRAL, LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

Home Page

Rental Property Search Services

Tell Us What You Want

Exclusive Listings

Payment Options

Terms of Service

FAQ

Aloha Page

Testimonials

About Us

Contact Us

Whatever your question is, you're probably not the first person to ask about it. This section will provide some insight to our rental market and help you better understand our services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions not covered here.

Here are some of our more frequently asked questions.

Am I guaranteed to find a rental?

What is the Honolulu rental market like?

What is the Oahu rental market like?

What is Honolulu Rental Central's role in my search?

How does Honolulu Rental Central get their rental leads?

How many choices can I expect to get from Honolulu Rental Central?

When would be the best time to start my rental search?

How much can I expect to pay for an apartment?

I want to live in a small building; can you find that?

Can you search for a house, condo, or duplex?

How difficult is finding a rental with a pet?

What can I expect to pay in security deposits?

I always get an answering machine when I call the mangers, is this normal?

What should I bring when I go to view an apartment?

If I view a rental but am not sure if I want it, what should I do?

What is the orientation tour?

How does the tour help me?

When should I schedule my tour?

Do you take me into rentals on the orientation tour?

What is the Agent Guided Rental Search Service?

How does the Agent Guided Service help me?

Question not answered?

Q: Am I guaranteed to find a rental once I submit my payment?: Because we cannot dictate the availability of the rental market and/or how you will be ranked against other tenants we are unable to guarantee that you will be the lucky applicant. Our goal is to make you aware of all properties that meet your criteria as quickly as possible so that you may attend the first showing.

Q: What is the Honlulu rental market like?: Because apartment development in Honolulu proper has been limited in recent years, vacancy rates are the lowest in years due to several factors that combined to create more demand than supply. Demand for rental housing has, in the past three years, increasingly outpaced supply creating a tight rental market. In the more popular areas nearer the Downtown Honolulu area, vacancy rates have been extremely low. This includes Waikiki, Kahala and East to Hawaii Kai. Classic, older neighborhoods in Honolulu and the newer Mililani areas with highly ranked or newer schools remain in high demand, creating lower vacancy rates in each area.

Q: What is the Windward and/or West side rental market like?: The Windward areas have a fewer number of vacancies due to less availability of land and the higher number of military personal that have been stationed at KMCAS in recent years. One distinct feature of the rental market in these areas is the higher rents nearer the beach. In Kailua, most complexes are two or three story, low rise, townhouse type buildings with each unit privately owned. Many of the Kailua Apartment/Townhomes are clustered together in one distinct area that is next to shopping centers and a short ten minute walk to the beach. There is one high rise condominium building in Kailua and it rarely has vacancies. Kaneohe town has several options to choose from both in townhomes, low rise, and high rise apartments. Much of the military off base housing needs are met in Kaneohe. The closer you live to the shoreline, the drier the weather, the closer you live to the mountains, the rainfall increases almost exponentially. The Windward side has a much more relaxed and laid back vintage suburban atmosphere. Homes on the beach in Kailua rent for over $3,000+ a month long term and much higher for short term.
On the West side we have several communities in close proximity on the rise. Some are land locked, others are situated on/near lush golf courses just minute from excellent beaches with non-stop sun almost every day of the year. Yes, it can be very hot and very dry. (ever been to West Texas?) The biggest factor in living in these areas is the long morning commute into town. With the continued development on the West side of Oahu (particularly in the Ewa area), we have seen rental mid-range apartments and townhome rental rates become much more competitive in these neighborhoods. ($900 -$1,200 for a two bedroom townhome)

Q: What is Honolulu Rental Central's role in my search?: Our role is to provide our knowledge and resources to find the best available options for you, and in many cases this means getting you access to units before they reach the open market. We weed through the various choices in an effort to provide you with options that best meet your criteria. Sometimes, high-demand units in Honolulu get rented in a matter of hours so it is beneficial to be flexible and able to respond quickly to showing times. The other valuable role we play is to be an information source available for you to utilize to help make your transition to Honolulu a smooth one.

Q: How does Honolulu Rental Central get their rental leads?: Through our daily contacts we have developed relationships with many of the property management companies of the better apartment buildings, townhomes and homes. Because of our reputation as a provider of quality tenants, many owners/managers will contact us regularly with upcoming vacancy information.

In addition, we proactively call landlords and managers whose buildings fit your criteria in an effort to uncover upcoming vacancies. Many times these sources afford our clients an opportunity to view and rent some of the best rentals before they get exposed to the open market.

In the neighborhoods where vacancy rates are especially low, it is easy for owners to get their units rented by putting a "For Rent" sign at the building. For many owners this is the only way they rent their units. For this reason, we canvas neighborhoods by driving to ensure that we find all rental options for you. We sort through these options by calling and getting all the pertinent information. If a rental meets your criteria, we will notify you with the details.

Due to the fact that many rentals are advertised through the newspaper, we also utilize that source to come up with options for you. As with signs, we call on the units that look like they will fit your needs. We pass the qualified leads onto you.

Q: How many choices can I expect to get from Honlulu Rental Central?: Because we strive to eliminate apartments that do not fit your needs, we try not to give you an overwhelming list. Instead, we provide you with several of the most qualified leads that best fit your criteria. If these do not fit your needs, we further tailor your search and continue to look. Most ads do not specify all of the amenities in a particular rental. We will screen for those listed in the ad and allow you to follow up for more details.

Q: When would be the best time to start my rental search?: The Honolulu rental market works on a cycle. Residents are required by law to give a 28 days notice prior to the end of the month in which they wish to vacate their rental unit. Most people give between 28 and 45 days notice. Many units are not shown until they are vacant. Because of this, the majority of new availability is advertised between the 15th and the last days of the month. Therefore, the best time to start your search is approximately 15 days before your target move-in date. This will give you the best selection of units. Although the number of good choices is often greater during the first and last day of the month, there are occasional good choices throughout the entire month.

Q: How much can I expect to pay for an apartment?: Although neighborhood characteristics and rental rates vary significantly, here is a general idea of rental rates:

Honolulu:
Studio (approx 400-650 sq ft) $600-900
1 Bedroom (approx 550-850 sq ft)$650-1,500
2 Bedroom (approx 700-1100 sq ft) $900-2,500
Rental House (approx 900-2800 sq ft) $1,200-5,000

Windward/West Oahu:
Studio (approx 400-650 sq ft) $500-$1500
1 Bedroom (approx 550-850 sq ft) $700-$1,200
2 Bedroom (approx 700-1100 sq ft) $925-$2,000
Rental House (approx 1100-3600 sq ft) $1,300-$5,000

Q: I want to live in a small building; can you find that?: With the exception of a several large complexes in Waikiki, Makiki, and Downtown, most of the rental units in Honolulu are found in buildings with less than 100 units, and many of the apartments are found in buildings 10 units and smaller. While there are some smaller building rental options, the majority of apartments are located in these medium and larger complexes. Througout Honolulu, there is a large selection of amenity rich buildings, be they medium or large.

Q: Can you search for a house, condo, or duplex?: Yes, we regularly help people find great houses, condos, town homes, duplexes and even shacks on the beach. We use all of our resources to maintain up to date information on each type of rental. Because the people renting these types of properties is generally a blend of individual owners and managers, it is unlikely we will have established a relationship with a person that is not regularly renting properties. These types of rental properties are moved through the newspaper and through signs in the yard.

Q: How difficult is finding a rental with a pet?: In Honolulu pets can be a difficult issue. Less and less numbers of apartment buildings in Honolulu accept pets. Condo associtations often change the bylaws as pet related problems create issues. Often times there is a 25 lb. weight limit on dogs, which makes finding an apartment for a large dog even more difficult. Additional deposits or fees are prohibited by state law, making it difficult for an owner/manager to recoup losses due to damages caused by the pet. (Carpet, paint, molding) On the Northshore, Waianae and more rural areas it is less difficult to find housing that accepts dogs. Some complexes are willing to accept pets - even dogs over 25 lbs. but each individual owner makes the final decision. The Windward side has more of a suburban setting which makes is nicer for animals, especially dogs for walking on the pristine Kailua beach. Remember, leash laws apply in all public settings except the "Bark Parks" which are fenced areas that have been created so that friendly dogs can run loose and play with each other. Highly acclaimed and succesful means to meet other pet owners too.

Q: What can I expect to pay in security deposits?: Owners and Landlords generally require a deposit equal to the first month's rent. Hawaii State law prohibits a deposit greater than the first months rent. The tenant is often obligated by contract not to use the deposit as the last months rent. If you plan live on Oahu for very long, it is best to maintain an excellent payment history and leave the rental unit in as good as, if not better, shape than you found it. The island may seem big when you first arrive, but it gets smaller and smaller by the day. As a newcomer, unless you have an excellent credit history, employment in place, and good references, you may be passed over for a more established resident of the island. Treat your landlord and the rental property with the respect and honesty that you would wish to receive were it yours and it will pay off in the long term.

Q: I always get an answering machine when I call the mangers, is this normal?: Most buildings in Honolulu do not have on-site, full-time rental management. Resident Managers often work during the day maintaining the builidng for the Association and cannot be involved with privately owned units. If there is a full-time property manager, and few buildings have this arrangement, they are often tending the grounds or showing other prospective tenants around and are unable to answer the phone. Because of these factors it can be frustrating when trying to schedule an appointment. It is important that you be prepared to visit the building as the opportunity arrises. It is vital that you either have a cellular phone or a place where we can leave a message to coordinate timing for an appointment. This is where our agent guided rental search service can reduce your frustration.

Q: What should I bring when I go to view an apartment?: Follow the renter's list of essential materials and information included with your list of available rentals. It's in your best interest to have all the information you need at the showing. For a deposit, don't use cash, have a checking account.

Q: If I view a rental but am not sure if I want it, what should I do?: In most cases, filling out an application does not obligate you to rent an apartment. You will generally be asked to pay a non-refundable application fee of approximately $5 to $20. The manager will do a credit check and then decide if they will rent to you. If you go on to find something that better fits your needs, call and let them know you're no longer interested in renting their unit. Be careful about leaving a deposit on a unit you are not sure you want to rent. Sometimes a portion of or all of this deposit may be nonrefundable.
Only apply if you are serious.

Q: What is the orientation tour?: If you are new to the Honolulu area and don't know which neighborhoods you wish to focus your search on, we highly recommend the Oahu Orientation Tour provided by a Licensed Real Estate Agent who is a member of the Honolulu Board of Realtors. The tour will take you through all the neighborhoods that are determined to be good possibilities for you, while consulting with you about the factors that will help you make a good rental selection. Some of these factors include rental rates, commute times, lease and deposit expectations, safety concerns, public transportation, socio-economic and age neighborhood make-up, entertainment and restaurants, etc. The tour typically lasts about three to four hours and is adjusted to fit your personal needs. This is a great time to ask questions about any and all issues that may factor into your housing decision. Morning tours are prefered, as traffic is usually better at this time. Please try to schedule your tour as many days in advance as possible.

Q: How does the tour help me?: The tour will help you to visualize different housing options and understand the types of building and apartment units that fall into your desired monthly rental range. You will be able to determine which neighborhoods best fit your needs. It will enable you to more quickly and confidently make a decision in your apartment search. Most importantly, it will save you hours getting familiarized with the greater Honolulu area and the rental housing market. If you already know the island and have an idea where you want to live, it will be more beneficial to focus immediately on the Basic Data Search and Exclusive Listings

Q: When should I schedule my tour?: It is most efficient to schedule your tour at the first convenient time after your arrival. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 9am or 1pm. At times, we can schedule a tour on short notice, but a few days lead-time is greatly appreciated. If you are staying in Honolulu the Agent can pick you up at your hotel or corporate housing. If you are staying elsewhere, we are happy to determine a meeting place that is convenient to your first appointment.

Q: Do you take us into rentals on the orientation tour?: In most cases, the agent does not take you inside the apartment buildings. The majority of the buildings we work with in Honolulu do not have a resident rental property manager. This means they often have to make a special trip to the building to meet with people who are looking. To avoid wasting owners and manager's time, and to maximize the use of your time in viewing the different neighborhoods, we do not view the inside of buildings during this tour. If you are interested in units that are vacant and for sale and are available for showings on lock box, these can often be arranged with a 24 hour notice. This may happen if you decide to take an Agent Guided Rental Tour.

Q: What is the Agent Guided Rental Search Service?: This service is tailored for the individual that would like to have most everything handled for them, including setting showing appointments and being driven to these appointments. Honolulu Rental Central, LLC will arrange for a Licensed Real Estate agent who is a member of the Honolulu Board of Realtors to escort you to up to FIVE pre-arranged showings. This service includes a three hour tour of Oahu and an additional FIVE days of daily updates, FIVE days of Aloha Answer Line and a pre-arrival packet. A great value! Agent Guided Rental Search Service.

Q: How does the Agent Guided Rental Search Service help me?: Most importantly, it will save you TIME. In addition, we try to do as much of the legwork as possible. We contact the owners and managers to get all the detailed information about the units and how they will be handling showings. This includes hours of calling, screening rentals over the phone, and negotiating the unusual traffic patterns in the greater Honolulu area. In addition you will learn about the rental housing market from a seasoned licensed professional. If you already know the city and have an idea where you want to live, it will be more beneficial to focus immediately on the Basic Data Search and Exclusive Listings.

Q: Question not answered?: We have also developed an Aloha Page on our website that can be a valuable resource to help make your transition to Oahu a smooth one.