Alaska Landlord-Tenant Law

If you’re looking for somewhere remote, then Alaska is it. It takes the cake for the largest state and the least densely populated, and almost half of the state’s population lives in Anchorage. Alaska is also great for those looking to relocate because there is no state income tax and no sales tax in Anchorage. The housing market is also on an upswing, which is excellent news for investors.

Laws that impact the rental market, landlords, and tenants are constantly being decided in states. Make sure you know what’s on your ballot – find Alaska voting information.

Alaska Renters’ Rights and Landlord Responsibilities

• Have 30 days to return security deposit
• A 30-day notice required before raising rent
• Must give a 24-hour notice before entering
• Required to make repairs within 10 days

When it comes to Alaska rental laws, there are a few specifics landlords need to know:

1. Security Deposit – Alaska limits the amount a landlord may charge for the security deposit to the equivalent of two month’s rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out.
2. Raising Rent – Landlords in Alaska may increase the rent to any amount for any reason with a 30-day notice.
3. Notice of Entry – Alaska requires landlords to give a 24-hour notice before entering the property.
4. Repairs – It is the landlord’s responsibility to keep the rental in safe and healthy living conditions. Landlords must make repairs within 10 days after being notified by the tenant. If the landlord fails to make repairs within this time frame, tenants may make the repairs themselves and deduct the cost from their future rent payments.

1. Overdue Rent – If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, the landlord must give them seven days’ notice to pay or quit. If the tenant fails to pay, the landlord may file for eviction.
2. Terminating a Lease – If a tenant needs to terminate a month-to-month lease, they must give the landlord a 30-day notice.
3. Tenant Responsibilities – Tenants are required to keep the property clean, not disturb neighbors, and make small repairs.
4. Abandoned Property – If a tenant moves out and leaves personal property, the landlord must notify them and store the property for 15 days. After this period, the landlord may dispose or sell the property however they see fit.

Rental Application Fees

There are no additional rental application fee laws in Alaska.

Criminal Background Check

• HUD (Federal) laws do not classify criminal backgrounds as a protected class, but making a decision to rent based off a criminal background alone could lead to a discrimination charge as it impacts certain protected groups of people disproportionately.
  • However, if the criminal background check revealed a crime for the manufacture and distribution of drugs, homicide and/or stalking, denying the application is allowed.
• Landlords should have a consistent and equal policy or procedure in place to follow regarding criminal background checks so as not to discriminate against one class of people over another.
• HUD states that a landlord cannot ask about arrest records, only convictions, as innocent people are commonly arrested though the situation may not have resulted in a conviction.
• Some municipalities may have written their own laws expanding onto what you can and cannot ask regarding criminal backgrounds during the tenant screening process.

Security Deposits

• Security deposits must be placed in a trust account within a bank, savings, and loan or licensed escrow agent.
• Security deposit must be returned within 14 days if there are no deductions or within 30 days if there are deductions.

Discrimination

Alaska has added protections based on pregnancy and marital status.

Lease Agreement Disclosures

• Tenants must notify the landlord if they’re absent from the unit for seven or more days.

• Landlords must disclose any reasons where they can withhold from the security deposit within the lease.

Alaska Lease Agreement Example

There are three sections to a residential lease agreement. The first section outlines the custom details of the contract, such as who’s involved and for what address. Here’s an example Alaska lease agreement listing details found in Section 1:

Due Diligence and Alaska Rental Laws

TurboTenant has utilized many municipal sources along with official state statutes in order to compile this information to the best of our ability. However, local laws are always in flux, and landlords and tenants alike should do their due diligence and consult legal help when it’s needed. We hope the following list can serve as a valuable resource and allow you to succeed as a landlord or tenant in Alaska. Be sure to take proper precautions when it comes to finding the top candidates for your unit by utilizing our online rental application and tenant screening services.

Disclaimer: TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and consult legal counsel should questions arise.

Alaska Landlord-Tenant Law Resources

• Alaska Uniform Residential – Landlord & Tenant Act – AS 34.03.010 – 34.03.360

Alaska Fair Housing Resources

• Tenant Rights, Laws and Protections: Alaska – HUD
• HUD in Alaska

Other State Resources

• Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act – Alaska Court System (PDF)
• Landlord and Tenant Information – State of Alaska

Alaska Association

• Alaska Association of REALTORS®

Alaska City-Specific Housing Resources

• Anchorage Board of REALTORS®
• Greater Fairbanks Board of REALTORS®
• Southeast Alaska Board of REALTORS® – Juneau

Federal Fair Housing Resources

• Federal Fair Housing Act
• United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Wikipedia)

Free Landlord Tools and Software

• Free Tenant Screening for Alaska Landlords