Alaska security deposit rules
Alaska limits security deposits to 2 months' rent (cap does not apply to units renting for more than $2,000/month); plus an optional additional pet deposit of up to 1 month's rent. The deposit must be returned 14 days after termination and delivery of possession if the tenant gave proper notice under AS 34.03.290 (30 days if the landlord deducts for damages, or if the tenant did not give proper notice), with an itemised list of any deductions. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
2 months' rent (cap does not apply to units renting for more than $2,000/month); plus an optional additional pet deposit of up to 1 month's rent. Returned 14 days after termination and delivery of possession if the tenant gave proper notice under AS 34.03.290 (30 days if the landlord deducts for damages, or if the tenant did not give proper notice). Statute text read on FindLaw (akleg.gov and Justia returned 403; touchngo mirror refused connection). Deposits must be held in a trust account (§ 34.03.070(c)) but the statute does not require interest to be paid to the tenant. Wrongful withholding = up to double damages. No 2024-2026 amendments located.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 14-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Pets: A landlord may collect an additional pet security deposit (non-service animal) of up to one month's rent, accounted for separately and applied only to pet-related damage (AS 34.03.070(h)).
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Alaska rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap and no statutory grace period; no statute located. The Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) is silent on late charges; the Alaska Department of Law booklet says a lease may set a small flat-rate late charge that reasonably approximates the landlord's actual costs, and a tenant cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees alone. Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: 30 days' written notice before the rental due date, by either party; 14 days for week-to-week Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Alaska landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alaska?
2 months' rent (cap does not apply to units renting for more than $2,000/month); plus an optional additional pet deposit of up to 1 month's rent. Statute text read on FindLaw (akleg.gov and Justia returned 403; touchngo mirror refused connection). Deposits must be held in a trust account (§ 34.03.070(c)) but the statute does not require interest to be paid to the tenant. Wrongful withholding = up to double damages. No 2024-2026 amendments located.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alaska?
14 days after termination and delivery of possession if the tenant gave proper notice under AS 34.03.290 (30 days if the landlord deducts for damages, or if the tenant did not give proper notice). The statute is Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070.
Does a Alaska landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Alaska law does not require interest on residential security deposits.
Are pet deposits limited in Alaska?
A landlord may collect an additional pet security deposit (non-service animal) of up to one month's rent, accounted for separately and applied only to pet-related damage (AS 34.03.070(h)).