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). It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, ensuring fair housing practices and setting clear guidelines for leases, security deposits, and maintenance.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in Alaska for advice specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Alaska Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Alaska law restricts how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. For units completely 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. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days if no deductions are made, or 30 days if there are deductions, along with an itemized statement.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits 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 at least 30 days' written notice before raising the rent.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Eviction Procedures

Evicting a tenant in Alaska requires strict adherence to the Forcible Entry and Detainer (F.E.D.) process. "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 Notice to Quit — for significant, deliberate damage exceeding $400.
• 5-Day Notice to Quit — for illegal activity.

No-Fault Evictions

• 30-Day Notice — for terminating a month-to-month tenancy.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process 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 Disclosures 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 Obligations 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. Generally, keeping late fees below 10.5% of the rent (the usury cap limit) or using reasonable flat fees, designated clearly as liquidated damages in the lease, prevents legal challenges. There is no mandatory grace period.

For more detail, see our Late Fees 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 streamline this process, including tracking security deposit deadlines and securely storing your lease agreements and property condition reports.

Explore more Alaska compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees