Alaska Landlord Required Disclosures: Mandatory Regulations

Since its enactment in 1974, the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) has mandated that landlords provide specific disclosures to tenants before a lease agreement is executed. Failing to provide these required disclosures can result in financial penalties or complicate eviction proceedings down the line.

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 34.03.080)Preview unavailable.

1. Manager and Owner Identification

Under AS 34.03.080, a landlord (or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on the landlord's behalf) must disclose in writing to the tenant, at or before the commencement of the tenancy, the names and addresses of:

• The person authorized to manage the premises.
• The owner of the premises, or a person authorized to act on the owner's behalf for the purpose of serving process and receiving notices and demands.

This information must be kept current. If the property is sold or a new property management company takes over, the new owner/manager must provide updated contact information to the tenant.

2. Security Deposit Terms and Move-In List

Under AS 34.03.070(c), when taking a security deposit or prepaid rent, the landlord must provide the tenant with the terms and conditions under which the funds may be withheld.

Because Alaska law strictly differentiates between "damages" and "normal wear and tear," landlords must clearly detail in the lease agreement that the security deposit will be used to cure tenant defaults in rent or to repair damages to the premises caused by the tenant's failure to comply with their obligations.

Furthermore, AS 34.03.070(h) mandates that a landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit or prepaid rent unless they provide the tenant with a written list of all damages and contents at the time the agreement is signed. This list must be signed by both the landlord and the tenant. This move-in condition checklist is a statutory requirement for any landlord collecting a security deposit.

3. Foreclosure Disclosure

Under AS 34.03.075, a landlord must provide a written disclosure to a prospective tenant if they have received a notice of default (foreclosure) regarding the property, provided the notice has not been rescinded. This disclosure is mandatory before the execution of a rental agreement.

4. Extended Absence Notification Clause

Under AS 34.03.150, the rental agreement shall require that the tenant notify the landlord of any anticipated extended absence from the premises in excess of seven days.

This is critical in Alaska, where a unit left vacant and unheated in the winter can suffer catastrophic pipe bursts. If the tenant fails to provide proper notice of an absence, they can be held liable for actual damages resulting from that absence under the statute.

5. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal Law)

If a residential rental property was constructed before 1978, landlords are required by federal law (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) to comply with the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act.

Landlords must:

• Disclose the known presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling.
• Provide tenants with any available records or reports pertaining to lead hazards.
• Provide an EPA-approved informational pamphlet on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards ("Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home").
• Include a standard warning language annex in the lease agreement.

Recommended Additional Disclosures

While not strictly mandated by state statute, best practices for Alaska landlords include disclosing:

• Smoking Policies: A clear policy on whether smoking, including marijuana, is permitted on the premises.
• Utility Responsibilities: Explicitly stating which utility services are covered by the landlord and which the tenant must open in their own name.

Back to Alaska Landlord-Tenant Laws OverviewPreview unavailable.