Landlord Guide to Renting in Alaska

Alaska permits both written and oral rental agreements. Written leases are strongly recommended as they provide clear evidence of the agreed terms. A rental agreement may be for a fixed term or on a periodic (e.g., month-to-month) basis. If no term is specified, the tenancy is considered month-to-month (AS § 34.03.290).

• Both written and oral leases are enforceable
• Fixed-term and month-to-month tenancies are recognized
• All lease terms must comply with AS § 34.03.010–34.03.380
• Any provision waiving a tenant's rights under the Act is void (AS § 34.03.040)

Under AS § 34.03.070, landlords may collect a security deposit of up to two months' rent. If monthly rent exceeds $2,000, there is no statutory cap. The deposit must be held in a trust account or deposited in a financial institution and may not be commingled with the landlord's personal funds.

• Maximum deposit: two months' rent (no cap if rent exceeds $2,000/month)
• Must be held in a trust account or separate bank account
• Prepaid rent is treated separately from the security deposit
• A pet deposit may be collected in addition to the security deposit

Alaska landlords must provide tenants with specific disclosures at or before the commencement of the tenancy. These include identification of the landlord, the condition of the property, and any known hazards.

• Name and address of the landlord or authorized agent (AS § 34.03.080)
• Name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and receive legal notices
• Lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 properties (federal requirement)
• Written statement of the condition of the premises and any existing damage, signed by both parties

Rent is due on the date specified in the lease agreement. Alaska does not impose a mandatory grace period, though many landlords include one in the lease. Late fees are permitted if they are specified in the rental agreement and are reasonable.

• No statutory grace period for rent payments
• Late fees must be specified in the lease and be reasonable
• Landlords may not charge a fee for accepting rent by a particular method unless agreed in the lease
• Returned check fees are limited to $30 or actual costs, whichever is less

Under AS § 34.03.100, landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition and comply with all applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes providing adequate weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Given Alaska's climate, heating systems are a particularly critical landlord obligation.

• Comply with all applicable building and housing codes (AS § 34.03.100)
• Maintain the structure, roof, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Provide adequate weatherproofing and insulation
• Keep common areas clean and safe

Alaska requires landlords to provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency purposes (AS § 34.03.140). Entry must be at reasonable times and for legitimate reasons such as inspections, repairs, or showing the unit to prospective tenants.

• 24 hours' written notice required for non-emergency entry (AS § 34.03.140)
• Entry must be at reasonable times
• No notice required for emergencies
• Tenant cannot unreasonably refuse entry for proper purposes

Alaska has no statewide rent control laws. Landlords may increase rent by any amount, provided they give proper notice. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days' written notice is required before a rent increase takes effect. Rent increases during a fixed-term lease are only permissible if the lease expressly allows it.

• No rent control — landlords set rent at market rates
• 30 days' notice is required for rent increases on month-to-month tenancies
• Fixed-term lease rent may only be increased if the lease permits it
• Rent increases may not be retaliatory (AS § 34.03.310)

Termination notice requirements in Alaska vary by tenancy type. Either party may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by providing written notice at least 30 days before the next rent due date.

• Month-to-month tenancy: 30 days' written notice (AS § 34.03.290(b))
• Week-to-week tenancy: 14 days' written notice
• Fixed-term lease: terminates automatically at the end of the term
• Nonpayment of rent: 7 days' written notice to pay or quit (AS § 34.03.220(b))

To evict a tenant in Alaska, the landlord must first serve the appropriate written notice. For nonpayment, a 7-day notice to pay or vacate is required (AS § 34.03.220(b)). For material lease violations other than nonpayment, the landlord must give a 10-day notice to cure the violation (AS § 34.03.220(a)). If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action in court.

• Serve the required written notice (7 days for nonpayment, 10 days for other violations)
• File a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) complaint in district court
• Attend the court hearing — the court may issue a judgment for possession
• If granted, a writ of assistance is issued for the tenant's removal

Under AS § 34.03.070, landlords must return the security deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates and provides a forwarding address, or within 30 days if the landlord claims deductions for damages. The landlord must provide a written itemized list of any deductions.

• Return deadline: 14 days if no deductions; 30 days if deductions are claimed
• An itemized statement of deductions must be provided
• Permissible deductions: unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning costs if necessary
• Failure to comply may result in the tenant recovering the deposit plus damages up to twice the deposit amount