Landlord Tenant Laws in Alaska (AK)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Alaska's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Alaska Stat. § 34.03.010 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of B (Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Alaska adopted the URLTA. Tenants may withhold rent or repair and deduct for habitability violations after proper notice. Deposit must be held in a separate account.
Security Deposit Rules in Alaska
Alaska limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Alaska
In Alaska, a landlord must provide 7 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Alaska.
Tenant Rights in Alaska
Tenants in Alaska have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Alaska
Alaska has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in Alaska
Landlords in Alaska are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 1 day notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 14 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Alaska
Many cities in Alaska have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 3 major cities.
Anchorage
Anchorage follows state law. Has a housing code enforcement division for rental inspections.
Fairbanks
No additional local tenant protections beyond state law.
Juneau
State capital follows Alaska landlord-tenant law without additional local rules.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Alaska scores 61 out of 100, earning a grade of B (Tenant-Friendly).
How Alaska Compares
Below is a comparison of Alaska with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Alaska falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (AK) | 61 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Connecticut (CT) | 61 | B | 2 months' rent | 3 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| New Hampshire (NH) | 61 | B | 1 month's rent or $100 (whichever is greater) | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| New Mexico (NM) | 59 | C | 1 month's rent (for leases under 1 year) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Michigan (MI) | 58 | C | 1.5 months' rent | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Nebraska (NE) | 57 | C | 1 month's rent (no pets); 1.25 months (with pets) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alaska?
In Alaska, the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Alaska?
For nonpayment of rent, Alaska requires 7 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Alaska if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Alaska allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Alaska have rent control?
No, Alaska prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Alaska?
Landlords in Alaska must give 1 day notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Alaska are primarily found in Alaska Stat. § 34.03.010 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.