Deposit laws by state › Alaska
State law · Alaska
Alaska security deposit law
How long your landlord has to return your deposit, what they can deduct, and what happens if they get it wrong.
Short answer: The landlord must mail the refund and itemized notice within 14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned if the tenant gave proper notice of termination, or within 30 days otherwise or when deducting for damage.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alaska?
- Return deadline
- The landlord must mail the refund and itemized notice within 14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned if the tenant gave proper notice of termination, or within 30 days otherwise or when deducting for damage.Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(g)
- Itemized list
- Unpaid rent and damages must be itemized in a written notice mailed with the refund to the tenant's last known address.Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(b), (g)
Prefer a full page? Use the security deposit deadline calculator.
What happens if an Alaska landlord misses the deadline?
- If the landlord misses it
- Alaska's statute does not state a forfeiture.Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070
- Penalty
- If the landlord willfully fails to return the deposit and itemized notice as required, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount withheld.Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(d)
Penalties that depend on bad faith or willfulness are possible, not automatic. Only a judge can make that finding.
What can an Alaska landlord deduct from your deposit?
What can be deducted: Unpaid rent, and damages from the tenant's failure to meet the tenant's duties; damages do not include deterioration from normal wear and tear. (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(b))
Normal wear and tear: Normal wear and tear is deterioration from the intended use of the unit, without negligence, carelessness, accident, misuse or abuse by the tenant or guests. It cannot be charged. (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(b), (i)(1))
What the itemized list must include: Deductions must be itemized in a written notice mailed to the tenant's last known address. (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(b))
More on common charges: normal wear and tear, cleaning, painting, and a missing itemized list.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Alaska?
A landlord may not collect a deposit or prepaid rent of more than two months' rent. The limit does not apply when rent is more than $2,000 a month. (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(a))
A separate pet deposit of up to one month's rent is allowed (§ 34.03.070(h)).
Taking a deposit case to small claims court in Alaska
Small-claims limit: Alaska small claims covers claims of $10,000 or less, not counting interest and costs. (Alaska small claims information sheet)
Most deposit disputes never get that far. A clear demand letter, sent by certified mail, often settles them first.
Good to know
- If you gave proper written notice of termination and the landlord made no deductions for damage, the deadline is 14 days, not 30.
What to do if your Alaska landlord kept your deposit
- Pin down your dates. When you moved out, returned the keys, and gave a forwarding address in writing. Compare them with the deadline above.
- Gather your evidence. Move-in and move-out photos, the lease, the landlord's list of deductions, receipts and messages. The case checklist covers what matters.
- Send a demand letter by certified mail. Ask for the money, cite Alaska's rules, and give a deadline to pay. What a demand letter does.
- If they still don't pay, consider small claims court. You don't need a lawyer there.
Get a demand letter built on Alaska's rules
Upload your lease, answer plain questions, and approve a letter that cites Alaska's deposit law. About 20 minutes.
Start My Demand Letter — $19.99
Not sure yet? Check your case free →
Sources
These rules come from the same verified table the Demand Letter Companion uses, checked against the sources below on October 25, 2026. Laws change; check the current official text before relying on a date.
- Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070: law.justia.com
- Alaska small claims information sheet: commerce.alaska.gov
Other states: see the guides for all 50 states and DC
This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Local ordinances can add rules, and your lease and facts matter. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.