Alaska · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Alaska security deposit law

In Alaska, your landlord has 14 or 30 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

In Alaska, the deposit limit is: Two months' rent (deposit and prepaid rent combined), except for units renting for more than $2,000 a month, which have no cap. The landlord must return it as follows: If you or the landlord gave proper notice to end the tenancy, the landlord must mail you an itemized list and any refund within 14 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the unit.

deposit limit: 2 months' rent (with exceptions)
to return a deposit: 14 or 30 days
deposit penalty: Up to 2× (willful)

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Alaska: It is mailed to your last known address, so give the landlord your new address.
Wait for the deadline: If you or the landlord gave proper notice to end the tenancy, the landlord must mail you an itemized list and any refund within 14 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the unit.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000 plus interest and court costs. Evictions cannot be filed in small claims. Small claims court in Alaska on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Alaska

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Alaska

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Alaska

Limit: Two months' rent (deposit and prepaid rent combined), except for units renting for more than $2,000 a month, which have no cap. A separate pet deposit of up to one more month's rent is allowed (not for service animals).
Deadline to return it: If you or the landlord gave proper notice to end the tenancy, the landlord must mail you an itemized list and any refund within 14 days after the tenancy ends and you hand back the unit. The landlord has 30 days instead if deducting for damage you caused (beyond normal wear and tear). If you did not give proper notice, the landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends, you hand back the unit, or the landlord learns the unit was abandoned. It is mailed to your last known address, so give the landlord your new address. AS 34.03.070(b), (g).
Itemized list: Unpaid rent and damages must be itemized in a written notice mailed to you with any amount due back. The statute does not require receipts. AS 34.03.070(b).
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, including damage by your guests. Deposits can be applied only after the tenancy ends. 'Nonrefundable cleaning fees' and automatic forfeiture clauses are unlawful according to the Department of Law handbook.
Interest: The deposit statute (AS 34.03.070) does not require the landlord to pay interest.
Separate account: Deposits and prepaid rent must be promptly placed, wherever practicable, in a trust account at a bank, savings and loan, or licensed escrow agent, kept apart from the landlord's other money and accounted for tenant by tenant. AS 34.03.070(c).
Move-in checklist: Not required unless the landlord asks for one. If the landlord requires it, a written premises condition statement (and contents inventory for furnished units) becomes part of the lease when both of you sign it, and it is presumed evidence of the unit's condition at move-in. Check it carefully before signing. AS 34.03.020(e), 34.03.090(b).
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: If the landlord willfully fails to itemize and return the deposit as required, you can recover up to twice the amount actually withheld. AS 34.03.070(d). The winning side in a case under the Act can also get attorney fees (AS 34.03.350).
Law: AS 34.03.070

Small claims court in Alaska

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $10,000 plus interest and court costs. Evictions cannot be filed in small claims.

How to file in Alaska

More for Alaska renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026