Answer
Nov 05, 2025 - 03:34 PM
In Hawaii, you are not required to choose the applicant who is closest to the “3x rent” income standard. You may select the applicant who appears to be the most qualified overall, as long as your decision is based on consistent, objective, and non-discriminatory criteria.
For example, you can consider factors such as:
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Income level (meeting or exceeding your minimum standard)
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Credit history and debt-to-income ratio
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Employment stability
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Rental references and history
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Background checks
The key is to apply the same criteria to every applicant and avoid any decisions that could appear biased or discriminatory under fair housing laws. It’s also a good idea to document your selection process showing that your choice was based on legitimate business reasons rather than personal preference.
