Alaska Landlord-Tenant Law

Maximum deposit

Landlords may not collect more than two months' rent in combined security deposit and prepaid rent, unless monthly rent exceeds $2,000, plus a separate pet deposit of up to one month's rent (AS 34.03.070(a), (h)). (AS 34.03.070(a), (h))

Return deadline

If proper termination notice was given, landlords must mail the refund and itemized notice within 14 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant delivers possession, or within 30 days if deductions are taken for damages; if the tenant did not give proper notice, the deadline is 30 days (AS 34.03.070(g)). (AS 34.03.070(g))

Itemized deductions

Landlords must itemize accrued rent and damages in a written notice mailed to the tenant's last known address with any amount due (AS 34.03.070(b)). (AS 34.03.070(b))

Interest on deposits

Alaska law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits, though deposits must be kept in a trust account (AS 34.03.070(c)). (AS 34.03.070(c) (trust account; silent on interest))

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A landlord who wilfully fails to return or itemize the deposit as required can owe the tenant up to twice the amount withheld (AS 34.03.070(d)). (AS 34.03.070(d))

Late-fee limit

Alaska's landlord-tenant act sets no late-fee cap, so a late fee must be agreed in the lease in advance and should reasonably approximate the landlord's actual costs (AS 34.03.020). (AS 34.03 (no late-fee provision); AS 34.03.020(a), (c) (lease terms; rent payable when agreed))

Grace period

Alaska law sets no grace period before a late fee may be charged; rent is due at the time agreed in the lease (AS 34.03.020(c)). (AS 34.03.020(c))

Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, an Alaska landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice and enter only at a reasonable time (AS 34.03.140(c)). (AS 34.03.140)

Either side can end an Alaska month-to-month tenancy with written notice delivered at least 30 days before the rent due date that the notice names as the end date (AS 34.03.290(b)). (AS 34.03.290(a)-(b))

No Alaska statute sets a rent-increase notice period, but the Court System's guide says a month-to-month tenant must get at least 30 days' notice, matching the termination rule (AS 34.03.020(a), 34.03.290(b)). (AS 34.03.020(a) (rent is a term of the rental agreement), AS 34.03.290(b))

Alaska has no statewide rent control and no statute limiting how much rent may rise, so a landlord may set the rent at lease renewal or on 30 days' notice for a month-to-month tenancy (Alaska Stat. ch. 34.03 contains no rent-limit provision). (Alaska Stat. ch. 34.03 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act))

Before the tenancy starts, give the tenant in writing the name and address of the manager and of the owner or agent authorized to receive notices and service of process, and give the federal lead-paint disclosure for pre-1978 housing (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.080(a); 40 CFR 745.107). (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.080, 40 CFR 745.107)

• Lead-based paint disclosure, lead warning statement and EPA pamphlet (Housing built before 1978 (unless exempt under 40 CFR 745.101)) — 42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 CFR Part 745 Subpart F (§ 745.107)
• Name and address of the manager and of the owner or agent for service of process and notices (In writing at or before the start of the tenancy; keep current) — Alaska Stat. § 34.03.080(a)-(b)
• Capital improvements the tenant must make (skirting, utility hook-ups, etc.) (Mobile home parks, in writing before entering into the rental agreement) — Alaska Stat. § 34.03.080(d)

Unpaid rent

If rent is late, serve a written 7-day notice of nonpayment stating the landlord will end the tenancy unless rent is paid in full, and add 3 days if the notice is mailed (Alaska Stat. §§ 34.03.220(b), 09.45.090(a)(1), (c)). (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220(b), Alaska Stat. § 09.45.090(a)(1), (c))

Lease violations

For a material lease violation, serve a written 10-day notice to quit naming the breach; the tenancy continues if the tenant fixes it within the 10 days, but a repeat within six months allows a 5-day notice with no cure, and deliberate damage over $400 or illegal activity allows 24 hours to 5 days (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220(a); § 09.45.090(a)(2)). (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220(a)(1)-(2), Alaska Stat. §§ 09.45.090(a)(2), 09.45.105)