Updated: December 1, 2021
Find more information through available FAQs, links to apply for assistance, and more below:
Association Updates & Forms | Fraud Tips | Landlord-Tenant / Rental Assistance | Mortgage Relief | Open Houses & Showings | REALTORS® / Small Businesses & Independent Contractors/Self-employed
HBR's CE classes, MLS training, meetings, and events are currently being held virtually until further notice.
Emergency Orders & HBR Guidance:
- 12/01/21: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2021-16 - effective December 1, 2021. New COVID-19 rules that impact open houses -- If serving food/beverage to be consumed at your open house (e.g., holiday cookies/treats, hot cocoa, etc.), agents must comply with Order 10 (Safe Access Hawaii) and require attendees to show proof of full vaccination and ID or show proof of negative test results taken within 48 hours of entry and ID. Face coverings are still required indoors and may be taken off only while eating/drinking on the premises consistent with Order 5. All businesses and operations must comply with any additional conditions set forth by the State of Hawaii. -- NEW
- 10/01/21: Emergency Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Delta Response - shall continue through November 30, 2021
- 09/20/21: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2021-13 - extends group gathering size limits through October 19, 2021: Permitted real estate services, including in-person open houses/brokers opens and showings, shall be limited to ten (10) people max indoors at a time and twenty-five (25) people max outdoors following social distancing and face masks guidelines. More information at the City's website and oneoahu.org.
- 8/23/21: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2021-10 effective August 25, 2021 amends Tier 5 group size limits: Permitted real estate services, including in-person open houses/brokers opens and showings, shall be limited to ten (10) people max indoors at a time and twenty-five (25) people max outdoors following social distancing and face masks guidelines. More information at the City's website and oneoahu.org.
- 08/06/21: Office of the Governor - CDC Eviction Order applies to all major Hawai’i counties -- see latest on evictions in Hawaii
- 08/05/21: Emergency Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Response
- 07/08/21: Oahu moves to Tier 5. In-person open houses and showings now allow up to twenty-five (25) people in a home at a time and comply with social distancing requirements, all persons shall comply with face covering requirements set forth in Order 5 of City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2021-09.
- 06/07/21: State Eviction Moratorium extended through August 6, 2021 (per 21st Emergency Proclamation) | Latest on State Eviction Moratorium and resources for property managers, landlords, and tenants -- UPDATED
- 04/01/21: COVID-19 Vaccine Update for Real Estate Workers: Vaccination appointments available to workers of essential businesses, including real estate, at Leeward Community College POD
- 03/17/21: Prioritized groups within Phase 1C vaccine schedule - Phase 1C opened on March 15, which makes all other essential workers, including real estate, eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. DOH is prioritizing the following groups to be vaccinated before other essential worker groups in Phase 1C: a) residents age 65 and older; b) people at high risk because of specific chronic medical conditions (more info); hotel, restaurant, and bar workers. Earlier this week, HBR submitted our application to DOH as an association on behalf of our members. Our association application is still under review, but we'll keep members updated as things change frequently. Registration sites
Previous Emergency Orders & HBR Guidance
COVID-19 Forms:
- 08/07/21: Rental Agreement (RR 301) -- Updated (available at HAR Standard Forms Library) | CDC Eviction Moratorium and Act 57 FAQ -- NEW (prepared by HAR)
- 08/11/20: Coronavirus ("COVID-19") Notice form (available at HAR Standard Forms Library)
- 03/30/20: Notice of Essential Business letter - for PBs/BICs
- 03/27/20: COVID-19 Amendment/Addendum (available at HAR Standard Forms Library)
Hotlines:
- 04/06/20: HBR Hotline - members can report R’s who appear not to be adhering to social distancing requirements or the State and City Orders by calling 808.792.4945 or email [email protected]
- HAR's Legal Kokua Hotline: For PBs/BICs -- call 808.733.7060
RESOURCES: FOR REALTORS®, HOMEOWNERS & RENTERS, HOUSING PROVIDERS, SMALL BUSINESSES, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS/SELF-EMPLOYED
Protect Your Investment - A Guide for At-Risk Homeowners: brochure offers guidance on payment options provided by lenders and tips for avoiding scams to help homeowners struggling to meet their loan obligations due to COVID-19.
National Association of REALTORS® - Coronavirus webpage is regularly updated with guidance and legislative information for REALTORS®:
- Coronavirus: A Guide for REALTORS® | Download PDF | Guidance for Fair Housing Compliance During COVID-19 Pandemic | Showing Guidance During Reopening
- Coronavirus: Advocacy FAQs: RE Transactions, Independent Contractors | Download PDF
- Coronavirus: Mortgage and Personal Finance FAQs | Download PDF
- Coronavirus: Housing Providers FAQs
- Rental Assistance Resources -- Updated
- COVID-19: Workplace Re-Entry Checklist
- NAR Leadership Live (event recording): NAR experts break down the CARES Act and stimulus package to help REALTORS® leverage benefits and resources
PUA:
- Apply at Hawaii DLIR | State of Hawaii Dept. of Taxation PUA Updates
- Coronavirus: CARES Act Unemployment Assistance FAQs / Pandemic Unemployment Assistance FAQs | Download PDF | Download flow chart: PNG or PDF
- Video: PUA & YOU: The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Guide for REALTORS®
- How to Obtain and Remain Eligible for PUA Benefits
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Benefits Checklist
PPP & EIDL:
- Coronavirus: Small Business Relief FAQs - SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) -- Updated
- About PPP loan forgiveness | Infographic | Video: Update on PPP extension and new loan forgiveness rules | Video: How to for PPP loan forgiveness
- Video: How to Secure Your Business Through the CARES Act
- The Intersection of SBA Loans (PPP and EIDL) and Unemployment Assistance (PUA) | Download PDF or PNG
- SBA loans: PPP vs. EIDL infographic - Download PDF or PNG
Intersection of SBA Loans and Unemployment Assistance. Click image to enlarge or download PDF |
SBA loans: PPP vs. EIDL infographic. Click image to enlarge or download PDF |
Small Business & Independent Contractor/Self-employed Assistance:
- Expanded unemployment insurance (including independent contractors)
- Support for small businesses | Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program
- City and County of Honolulu: Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund
- Fraud: Scams targeting small business owners related to SBA loan and grant programs have also been reported -- more info
LANDLORD-TENANT / RENTAL ASSISTANCE
Latest on State Eviction Moratorium:
- The State's eviction moratorium ended on August 6, 2021 at 11:59 PM
- Effective, August 7, 2021: Act 57, the new eviction law, requires all landlords to agree to mediation before seeking summary possession eviction of any residential tenant
Resources to help landlords and tenants understand what they must do under Act 57:
- CDC Eviction Moratorium and Act 57 FAQ (prepared by HAR) -- Updated | Rental Agreement (RR 301) -- Updated
- Eviction Moratorium Resources - State of Hawaii FAQs: includes clarification on the application of new CDC eviction moratorium
- Eviction Mediation Forum – What Landlords and Tenants on O’ahu Need to Know (webinar recording - Mediation Center of the Pacific, July 21, 2021)
- Act 57 - What Happens When the Moratorium on Eviction Ends (slides)
- Mediation Center of the Pacific - Eviction Mediation Program Related to Act 57 - includes FAQ flyers in other languages
- Legal Aid Society information: 15-Day Notice FAQ - includes annotated sample of notice and complaint forms
- FAQ on Act 57 – prepared by Hawaii REALTORS®
- Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (slides)
- On August 26, 2021, the Supreme Court, ruled that the lastest temporary eviction moratorium exceeds the CDC’s authority. Effective immediately, the Supreme Court’s order means the CDC’s eviction moratorium will end unless there is specific Congressional authorization for it to continue and applies to all housing providers and their tenants in jurisdictions subject to the CDC’s order -- view NAR's summary -- Updated
- In the State of Hawaii, Act 57 requires all landlords to agree to mediation before seeking summary possession eviction of any residential tenant
- Rental Assistance Resources | View as PDF | Find rental assistance in your area -- NEW
- CDC Eviction Moratorium and Act 57 FAQ (prepared by HAR) -- Updated
Resources / Assistance Programs:
- Coronavirus: Housing Providers FAQs
- COVID-19 Landlord-Tenant FAQs - Office of Consumer Protection
- COVID-19 Resources for Tenants - Fact sheet
- COVID-19 Resources for Landlords and Property Managers - Fact sheet
- Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i - COVID-19 Legal Help - Housing | Q&A COVID-19 Impact: Housing Issues
- City and County of Honolulu 2021 Rental & Utility Relief Program - now accepting applications; currently open to households with income at or below the 50% AMI or are 90 days unemployed prior to applying. Pre-screening form
- Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program: State program is now closed. Check your application status
- Aloha United Way: Hawaii Utility Bill Assistance Program - program is no longer accepting applications
- Catholic Charities Hawaii - COVID-19 Related Assistance | Rent Assistance | Website
- Hawaii Homeownership Center - includes Q&A COVID-19 Impact: Housing Issues
- Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaii Community Lending - Special Hawaii Emergency Loan Program – Security Deposit Collateral Loan
- DHHL Rent Relief Program (administered by Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement) - funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Hoʻāla Assistance Program (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement) - no new applications accepted at this time
- Kahiau Community Assistance Program - Emergency financial assistance (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement) - no new applications accepted at this time
- Helping Hands Hawaii - Emergency Assistance Program – COVID-19 Recovery Fund - no new applications accepted at this time
- Assistance for certain homeowners and renters (federal programs)
Owners should contact their mortgage servicers/lenders to discuss their options. Local financial institutions also offer various relief options (deferral and forbearance programs and more) for customers facing payment challenges during this time.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency | Fannie Mae | Freddie Mac
- HUD / Federal Housing Administration | USDA Rural Development - SFH | VA
- Assistance for certain homeowners and renters (federal programs)
- Hoʻāla Assistance Program (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement) - funding from the City and County of Honolulu - no new applications accepted at this time
- Helping Hands Hawaii - Emergency Assistance Program – COVID-19 Recovery Fund - no new applications accepted at this time
- Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program: State program is now closed. Check your application status
- Mortgage and Personal Finance FAQs | Download PDF
- CARES Act Resources for Hawaii
- Aloha United Way - COVID-19 resources | Aloha United Way - Call 211 Hotline | Download flyer
- City and County of Honolulu's COVID-19 website - OneOahu.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Hawai‘i Department of Health COVID-19 | Summary Guidance for COVID-19 Cases & Contacts -- NEW
- 08/23/21: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2021-10 effective August 25, 2021 amends Tier 5 group size limits: Permitted real estate services, including in-person open houses/brokers opens and showings, shall be limited to ten (10) people max indoors at a time and twenty-five (25) people max outdoors following social distancing and face masks guidelines. More information at the City's website and oneoahu.org. -- NEW
Showing Guidance During Reopening | Download PDF: General guidance only from NAR. Be sure to consult your legal counsel, public health information, and adhere to the State and City executive orders.
Virtual open houses and virtual showings:
Virtual open houses and virtual showings are now enabled in Matrix and will be distributed on various public websites. These tools enable REALTORS®, their clients, and consumers to virtually view properties while in-person showings. View our handout for more info. Detailed setup instructions here.
Showings:
- A Strategy for Virtual Showings During COVID-19: NAR video contains three tips to help you pivot to a virtual experience, remain effective and keep clients informed
Best practices for showings
- Always review the pros and cons with sellers and buyers before showing a property.
- Use ShowingTime to schedule showings by appointment to avoid overlapping showings. When setting up your listings, you can choose “No” for “Allow Overlapping Showings” in the Appointment Restrictions to allow for sufficient time in between showings and keeping parties to less than 10 people.
- Keep a list of names and contact info of everyone who attends a showing.
- Minimize touches during a showing: agents should open doors and turn on lights so no one has to touch those items and leave it on until the agent leaves.
Click image to enlarge
FRAUD TIPS
Beware of scammers posing as reputable organizations, charity scam websites, and malicious websites or apps meant to gain and lock access to your computer/devices. Scam calls or texts include impersonating utility companies threatening to shut off electricity or water for a past due bill.
- Homeowners should beware of scams during COVID-19 outbreak
- Do not click on links or email attachments from sources you do not know as it may lead to malware, computer viruses or phishing attempts.
- Never give out your banking information over the phone or email. Utility companies will never ask for your personal information by phone or email.
- Remember that utilities, mortgage companies, and landlords are being told not to turn off services, foreclose, or evict during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Do not call the contact number included in the text, email, or over the phone. Find the company's actual phone number and contact them directly.
- Look for other red flags e.g., demanding payment by gift card, wiring money, or going down to a Bitcoin machine.
- Do not make donations without verifying the charity’s legitimacy.
Scams targeting small business owners related to SBA loan and grant programs have also been reported. More info.
For more info or top report fraud attempts: FCC | U.S. Department of Justice
Previous Emergency Orders & HBR Guidance
- 02/24/21: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2021-02 effective February 25 Oahu will move to Tier 3. In-person open houses and showings now allow up to ten (10) people in a home at a time following social distancing and face masks guidelines. Additional information at the City's website and oneoahu.org.
- 10/22/20: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2020-29 effective October 22. Oahu has moved to Tier 2. In-person open houses and showings shall remain limited to no more than five people in a home at a time following social distancing and face masks guidelines. Legal short-term rentals are allowed in Tier 2. Additional information at the City's website and oneoahu.org.
- 09/24/20: HBR notice to members - Effectively immediately, in-person open houses and showings are permitted but limited to no more than 5 people in the home at a time.
- 09/23/20: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2020-27 effective Thu., September 24. Additional documents related to the latest Order and Recovery Framework available at the City's website and oneoahu.org.
- 09/08/20: City and County of Honolulu Amended Second Stay at Home/Work from Home Order (Emergency Order No. 2020-26) effective Thu., September 10 - Wed., September 23
- 08/26/20: HBR notice to members - Effectively immediately, open houses suspended for the duration of Second Stay at Home/Work from Home Order.
- 08/26/20: City and County of Honolulu Second Stay at Home/Work from Home Order (Emergency Order No. 2020-25) effective Thu., August 27 - Wed., September 9
- 05/28/20: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2020-14: permits in-person open houses to resume with certain restrictions
- 04/30/20: City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order 2020-09: permitted real estate activities detailed on Exhibit A
- 04/15/20: Virtual REALTOR® Forum - recording: topics include Federal CARES Act, Navigating the Process & Tax Insight
- 03/25/20: HBR halts open houses amid coronavirus shutdowns
- 03/24/20: HBR guidance for members - covers essential real estate services, professionalism, compliance with City and State Orders, health and safety