Overview
Alaska's security deposit laws are governed by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070). The law uses a tiered system based on the monthly rent amount to determine the maximum deposit a landlord can collect, and it establishes clear rules for holding, deducting from, and returning deposits.
This guide covers everything landlords and tenants need to know about security deposits in Alaska.
Deposit Limits
Alaska law sets the following security deposit limits based on monthly rent:
- Rent of $2,000/month or less: Maximum deposit of 1 month's rent
- Rent exceeding $2,000/month: Maximum deposit of 2 months' rent
Landlords may also charge a separate pet deposit, but it is generally included within the statutory maximum. The deposit must be held by the landlord and returned according to the timelines set by law.
cite: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(a)
Allowable Deductions
Landlords may deduct from the security deposit for the following reasons:
- Unpaid rent: Any rent owed through the date the tenant vacates
- Cleaning: Costs to restore the unit to the same level of cleanliness as at the beginning of the tenancy
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear: Repairs for tenant-caused damage that exceeds ordinary use
- Unpaid utility charges: Utility bills that are the tenant's responsibility under the lease
What Constitutes Normal Wear and Tear?
Normal wear and tear includes:
- Minor scuffs on walls from everyday living
- Small nail holes from hanging pictures
- Carpet wear from regular foot traffic
- Slight fading of paint or flooring
Damage beyond normal wear and tear includes:
- Large holes in walls or ceilings
- Stained, burned, or ripped carpet or flooring
- Broken fixtures, windows, or appliances
- Pet damage (stains, scratches, odors)
- Excessive dirt or debris requiring professional cleaning
Return Timeline
Alaska has a two-tier return timeline:
- 14 days: If the tenant provides a forwarding address in writing
- 30 days: If the tenant does not provide a forwarding address
The landlord must mail or deliver to the tenant:
- The remaining deposit amount (after lawful deductions)
- An itemized written statement detailing each deduction and the corresponding amount
If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the itemized statement within the required time, the tenant may recover the full deposit amount plus damages in a civil action.
cite: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070(g)
Dispute Resolution
If a tenant believes their deposit was wrongfully withheld, they can:
- Send a demand letter to the landlord requesting the return of the deposit
- File a claim in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000 in Alaska)
- File a civil action in district court for larger amounts
If the landlord intentionally fails to comply with the deposit return requirements, the tenant may be entitled to recover up to twice the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
Landlords should maintain detailed move-in and move-out documentation, including photographs, condition checklists, and repair receipts, to support any deductions.