Alaska · Renters' rights · Updated Oct 2026
Alaska tenant rights
Security deposits, repairs, landlord entry, notices and evictions in Alaska, in plain English from official sources, with free tools to get your deposit back and ask for repairs.
Guides for Alaska renters
Security deposit
Limit, deadline, deductions, penalty and the calculator.
Repairs
The landlord's duty, repair and deduct, withholding rent and a repair letter.
Eviction
Notice periods, court deadlines, illegal lockouts and a timeline tool.
Security deposit in Alaska
- Limit
- Two months' rent (deposit and prepaid rent combined), except for units renting for more than $2,000 a month, which have no cap. A separate pet deposit of up to one more month's rent is allowed (not for service animals).
- Deadline to return it
- If you gave proper notice of moving out, the landlord must give you an itemized list and any refund within 14 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the unit. The landlord has 30 days instead if deducting for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or if you did not give proper notice (counted from when you moved out or the landlord learned the unit was abandoned, whichever is later). Hand-delivered or mailed to your last known address.
- Itemized list
- Yes. A written, itemized list of deductions must come with any refund. Receipts are not required by the handbook's summary of the law.
- What may be deducted
- Unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, including damage by your guests. Deposits can be applied only after the tenancy ends. 'Nonrefundable cleaning fees' and automatic forfeiture clauses are unlawful according to the Department of Law handbook.
- Separate account
- Yes. Deposits and prepaid rent must be kept in a trust account at a bank or savings and loan, or with a licensed escrow agent, separate from the landlord's own money (exceptions where banking is impractical, e.g., rural Alaska). AS 34.03.070(c).
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- If the landlord willfully fails to follow the return rules, you can recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
- Law
- AS 34.03.070
How to get your deposit back
- Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Alaska: Hand-delivered or mailed to your last known address.
- Wait for the deadline: If you gave proper notice of moving out, the landlord must give you an itemized list and any refund within 14 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the unit.
- If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
- If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000 plus interest and court costs. Evictions cannot be filed in small claims. Small claims court in Alaska on Small Claims Map
Repairs in Alaska
- The landlord's duty
- The landlord must keep the unit fit and habitable, comply with health and safety codes, keep common areas clean and safe, maintain electrical, plumbing, heating and other facilities and appliances, provide trash receptacles, supply running water, reasonable hot water and heat, provide locks and keys if requested, and provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. AS 34.03.100.
- How to ask for repairs
- Give the landlord written notice describing the problem. For a material health-and-safety problem, your notice can say that if it is not fixed within 10 days you will move out in not less than 20 days. For essential services, your notice must state the remedy you plan to use. AS 34.03.160, 34.03.180.
- Repair and deduct
- Only for essential services (such as heat, water, hot water, sewer, electricity or plumbing) that the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply. After written notice stating what you plan to do, you can get the problem fixed or obtain substitute services and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from the next rent, keeping receipts. AS 34.03.180(a)(1).
- Withholding rent
- Not as a general right. For a failed essential service, you may move to substitute housing and stop paying rent until it is fixed (and charge the landlord any extra cost), or sue for reduced rental value. In an eviction for nonpayment, you can raise the landlord's breaches as a counterclaim. AS 34.03.180, 34.03.190.
- Law
- AS 34.03.100, 34.03.160, 34.03.180, 34.03.190
Landlord entry in Alaska
At least 24 hours' notice, stating when the landlord is coming, at a reasonable time. No notice is needed in an emergency, when 24 hours' notice is not reasonably possible, or when you have been gone more than 7 days without notice. If the landlord abuses access, you can get a court order and recover actual damages or one month's rent, whichever is greater, or end the lease on 10 days' written notice. AS 34.03.140, 34.03.300.
Eviction in Alaska
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-day written notice to pay or leave, stating the correct amount of rent owed. If you pay the rent within 7 full days, you can stay (unpaid late fees alone are not a reason to evict). Some federally subsidized or federally backed properties require 30 days.
- Notice for a lease violation
- 10-day written notice for a serious breach of the lease or tenant duties that endangers health and safety. If you fix it within 10 days you can stay. If the same violation happens again within 6 months, the landlord can use a 5-day notice with no right to fix. Other no-cure notices: 24 hours to 5 days for intentional damage over $400; 5 days for illegal activity on the premises; 5 days if utilities are cut off for your nonpayment (you can stay if you restore service within 3 days). AS 34.03.220.
- Ending a month-to-month tenancy
- Landlord or tenant: written notice at least 30 days before the rent due date that ends the tenancy. Week-to-week: at least 14 days. The landlord's notice must say the landlord may sue to evict if you stay. AS 34.03.290.
- Time to respond to an eviction lawsuit
- You have 20 days to file a written answer, but the possession hearing is held within 15 days after filing (you must be served at least 2 days before it) and usually happens before the answer is due. Go to the hearing.
- Lockouts and utility shutoffs
- Yes. The landlord may not shut off utilities, change the locks, take your belongings, or take the unit by force without a court order, even if the lease says otherwise. You can sue to get back in or end the lease, and recover up to 1.5 times your actual damages. AS 34.03.210.
- Court self-help
- The court's eviction self-help page
- Law
- AS 09.45.105, AS 34.03.210, 34.03.220, 34.03.290
Rent increases and rent control in Alaska
- Notice of a rent increase
- At least 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect in a month-to-month tenancy. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it (Department of Law handbook).
- Rent control
- No statewide rent cap or rent control.
Late fees in Alaska
No statute. The Department of Law handbook says a late fee is enforceable only if agreed in advance and should reasonably approximate the landlord's actual costs; you cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees alone.
Retaliation in Alaska
The landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, or start or threaten eviction because you complained about the landlord's failures, enforced your rights under the Act, joined a tenants' union, or complained to a government agency. You can end the tenancy or defend against eviction, and recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. The statute sets no presumption period. Exceptions include rent arrears, needed code repairs, and owner use. AS 34.03.310.
Small claims court in Alaska
Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer.
Limit: $10,000 plus interest and court costs. Evictions cannot be filed in small claims.
Where to get free help in Alaska
Good to know in Alaska
- Deposits are capped at two months' rent unless rent is over $2,000 a month.
- Since 2024 the Alaska Court System runs an eviction diversion program to settle cases without an eviction order (907-264-0883).
- Alaska has no statewide housing code; check your city or borough code (for example, Anchorage).
Recent law changes
No amendments to AS 34.03 in 2024-2026 were found. The Alaska Court System launched an eviction diversion program in 2024. Bills to change deposit rules (e.g., SB 169 in 2024) were introduced but not passed as far as could be confirmed.
Free tools for Alaska renters
Pre-set for Alaska. They run in your browser and send nothing.
Deposit return calculator for Alaska
Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Security deposit demand letter for Alaska
A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.
Repair request letter for Alaska
Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.
Eviction notice timeline for Alaska
Got a notice from your landlord? Enter the kind of notice and the day you got it to see the dates that follow from your state's rule, what your landlord may not do, and where to get free help fast.
This is not legal advice. Eviction deadlines are short and missing one can cost you your home. Read your notice carefully and contact legal aid or your court's self-help center right away.
Questions about renters' rights in Alaska
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alaska?
Two months' rent (deposit and prepaid rent combined), except for units renting for more than $2,000 a month, which have no cap. A separate pet deposit of up to one more month's rent is allowed (not for service animals).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alaska?
If you gave proper notice of moving out, the landlord must give you an itemized list and any refund within 14 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the unit. The landlord has 30 days instead if deducting for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or if you did not give proper notice (counted from when you moved out or the landlord learned the unit was abandoned, whichever is later). Hand-delivered or mailed to your last known address.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Alaska?
If the landlord willfully fails to follow the return rules, you can recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Alaska?
Unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, including damage by your guests. Deposits can be applied only after the tenancy ends. 'Nonrefundable cleaning fees' and automatic forfeiture clauses are unlawful according to the Department of Law handbook.
How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Alaska?
Give the landlord written notice describing the problem. For a material health-and-safety problem, your notice can say that if it is not fixed within 10 days you will move out in not less than 20 days. For essential services, your notice must state the remedy you plan to use. AS 34.03.160, 34.03.180.
Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Alaska?
Only for essential services (such as heat, water, hot water, sewer, electricity or plumbing) that the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply. After written notice stating what you plan to do, you can get the problem fixed or obtain substitute services and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from the next rent, keeping receipts. AS 34.03.180(a)(1).
Can I withhold rent for repairs in Alaska?
Not as a general right. For a failed essential service, you may move to substitute housing and stop paying rent until it is fixed (and charge the landlord any extra cost), or sue for reduced rental value. In an eviction for nonpayment, you can raise the landlord's breaches as a counterclaim. AS 34.03.180, 34.03.190.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Alaska?
At least 24 hours' notice, stating when the landlord is coming, at a reasonable time. No notice is needed in an emergency, when 24 hours' notice is not reasonably possible, or when you have been gone more than 7 days without notice. If the landlord abuses access, you can get a court order and recover actual damages or one month's rent, whichever is greater, or end the lease on 10 days' written notice. AS 34.03.140, 34.03.300.
How much notice does a landlord have to give for unpaid rent in Alaska?
7-day written notice to pay or leave, stating the correct amount of rent owed. If you pay the rent within 7 full days, you can stay (unpaid late fees alone are not a reason to evict). Some federally subsidized or federally backed properties require 30 days.
How much notice for a lease violation in Alaska?
10-day written notice for a serious breach of the lease or tenant duties that endangers health and safety. If you fix it within 10 days you can stay. If the same violation happens again within 6 months, the landlord can use a 5-day notice with no right to fix. Other no-cure notices: 24 hours to 5 days for intentional damage over $400; 5 days for illegal activity on the premises; 5 days if utilities are cut off for your nonpayment (you can stay if you restore service within 3 days). AS 34.03.220.
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Alaska?
Landlord or tenant: written notice at least 30 days before the rent due date that ends the tenancy. Week-to-week: at least 14 days. The landlord's notice must say the landlord may sue to evict if you stay. AS 34.03.290.
How long do I have to respond to an eviction lawsuit in Alaska?
You have 20 days to file a written answer, but the possession hearing is held within 15 days after filing (you must be served at least 2 days before it) and usually happens before the answer is due. Go to the hearing.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Alaska?
Yes. The landlord may not shut off utilities, change the locks, take your belongings, or take the unit by force without a court order, even if the lease says otherwise. You can sue to get back in or end the lease, and recover up to 1.5 times your actual damages. AS 34.03.210.
How much notice is needed for a rent increase in Alaska?
At least 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect in a month-to-month tenancy. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it (Department of Law handbook).
Is there rent control in Alaska?
No statewide rent cap or rent control.
Is there a limit on late fees in Alaska?
No statute. The Department of Law handbook says a late fee is enforceable only if agreed in advance and should reasonably approximate the landlord's actual costs; you cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees alone.
Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Alaska?
The landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, or start or threaten eviction because you complained about the landlord's failures, enforced your rights under the Act, joined a tenants' union, or complained to a government agency. You can end the tenancy or defend against eviction, and recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. The statute sets no presumption period. Exceptions include rent arrears, needed code repairs, and owner use. AS 34.03.310.
What is the small claims limit in Alaska?
$10,000 plus interest and court costs. Evictions cannot be filed in small claims.
Last checked: Oct 2026.