Alaska Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Alaska's landlord-tenant laws are primarily governed by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03), which has been effective since July 1, 1974. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, ensuring fair housing practices and setting clear guidelines for leases, security deposits, and maintenance.

Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are strictly configured under the official Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03)Preview unavailable.

Key Alaska Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Alaska law restricts how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. For units renting for $2,000 or less per month, the maximum security deposit is two months' rent. An additional pet deposit of up to one month's rent may also be collected. The landlord must mail the refund and/or itemized accounting within 14 days after the tenancy is terminated if the tenant gave proper notice (per AS 34.03.290). The landlord has 30 days to return the deposit only if the tenant failed to give proper notice or if the landlord is deducting for physical damages to the premises (as defined in AS 34.03.120(a)(5)).

For more detail, see our Security DepositsPreview unavailable deep dive.

Rent Control and Increases

Alaska has no statewide rent control laws. Landlords are generally free to set rent prices and increase them as they see fit, provided they do so at the end of a lease term and with proper written notice. For standard month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give written notice at least 30 days before the rental due date before raising the rent.

For more detail, see our Rent IncreasesPreview unavailable guide.

Eviction Procedures

Evicting a tenant in Alaska requires strict adherence to the Forcible Entry and Detainer (F.E.D.) process, adjudicated in the Alaska District or Superior Court. "Self-help" evictions (like changing locks) are entirely illegal.

At-Fault Evictions

• 7-Day Notice to Pay or Quit - for nonpayment of rent.
• 10-Day Notice to Cure or Quit - for lease violations. Unconditional notices can be given for repeated violations.
• 24-Hour to 5-Day Notice to Quit - for significant, deliberate damage exceeding $400 or illegal activity (prostitution or other illegal activity).

No-Fault Evictions

• 30-Day Notice (before the rental due date) - for terminating a month-to-month tenancy.

For more detail, see our Eviction ProcessPreview unavailable guide.

Required Disclosures

Before or at the commencement of the tenancy, Alaska landlords must disclose specific information to the tenant:

1. Manager/Owner Info: The name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the person authorized to receive notices.
2. Deposit Deduction Terms: Clear terms under which the landlord may retain security deposit funds.
3. Absence Notification: A requirement that the tenant notify the landlord of any anticipated extended absence longer than seven days.
4. Lead-Based Paint: For properties built before 1978 (federal requirement).

For more detail, see our Required DisclosuresPreview unavailable guide.

Maintenance and Habitability

Under the warranty of habitability, Alaska landlords must keep rental properties in a safe and fit condition. This means landlords must:

• Maintain major systems (electrical, plumbing, heating).
• Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water.
• Provide trash receptacles.
• Keep common areas safe and clean.
• Supply and maintain functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

If a landlord fails to make critical repairs within a reasonable time (typically 10 days, or much faster for emergencies), tenants have remedies including the "repair and deduct" option.

For more detail, see our Maintenance ObligationsPreview unavailable guide.

Late Fees

Alaska has no statutory limit on late rent fees. However, courts require the fees to be "reasonable" and not excessive to the point of being a penalty. While the state usury rate is 10.5% per annum, it does not strictly cap late fee percentages, though excessive fees may be challenged as unconscionable. Fees must be clearly defined in the lease. There is no mandatory grace period.

For more detail, see our Late FeesPreview unavailable guide.

Getting Started with Compliance

Navigating property management in Alaska requires careful attention to statutory timelines and written disclosures. Landager provides the tools you need to this process, including tracking security deposit deadlines and securely storing your lease agreements and property condition reports.

Explore more Alaska compliance topics:

• Security DepositsPreview unavailable
• Eviction ProcessPreview unavailable
• Required DisclosuresPreview unavailable
• Rent IncreasesPreview unavailable
• Lease RequirementsPreview unavailable
• Maintenance ObligationsPreview unavailable
• Late FeesPreview unavailable