Alaska security deposit law
Source: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) · Checked against the statute
- Maximum deposit
- Prepaid rent plus security deposit may not exceed two months' rent. The cap does not apply when rent is over $2,000 a month. A separate pet deposit of up to one month's rent is allowed (not for service animals).
- Return deadline
- 14 days after the tenancy terminates (Proper termination notice given under AS 34.03.290 and no deductions for damage); 30 days after the tenancy terminates (Proper notice given, but deductions taken for damage); 30 days after the tenancy terminates (Tenant did not give proper notice under AS 34.03.290)
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- If the landlord wilfully fails to itemize and refund as required, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount withheld (AS 34.03.070(d)).
Calculate your Alaska deadline
Choose your state and move-out date to see when your landlord must return the deposit.
When the deposit must be returned
- Mail the itemized notice and refund within 14 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant delivers possession.
- Mail the refund within 30 days after the tenancy ends if costs are deducted for damage.
- Mail the itemized notice and refund within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession, or the landlord learns the unit is abandoned.
The notice goes to the tenant's last known address. If the landlord doesn't know a mailing address but knows how to reach the tenant, it must make a reasonable effort to deliver the notice and refund.
Itemized list of deductions
Required: Yes. Accrued rent and damages must be itemized in a written notice mailed with the amount due to the tenant.
What can and can't be deducted
Damages don't include normal wear and tear: deterioration from intended use without negligence, carelessness, accident, misuse, or abuse by the tenant, household, or guests. Also excluded is deterioration caused by the landlord's failure to prepare for expected conditions or to meet its duties.
Nonrefundable fees
The statute caps prepaid rent and security deposits 'however denominated'. It does not address nonrefundable fees separately.
Interest, bank account and move-in inspection
- Interest required: No. No statewide interest requirement.
- Separate account required: Yes. Deposits and prepaid rent must be promptly placed, wherever practicable, in a trust account at a bank, savings and loan, or licensed escrow agent. They may not be mixed with other funds, and each tenant's money must be accounted for separately.
- Move-in inspection required: No. Optional. If the landlord requires it, the parties sign a premises condition statement (and contents inventory if furnished), which becomes part of the rental agreement and is presumptive evidence of the move-in condition (AS 34.03.020(e), 34.03.090).
Penalties and bad faith
If the landlord wilfully fails to itemize and refund as required, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount withheld (AS 34.03.070(d)).
The double penalty requires wilful noncompliance. The statute sets no presumption.
Getting your deposit back in court
Small claims up to $10,000, not counting costs, interest, and attorney fees (AS 22.15.040). Court information
Before filing, many tenants send a written demand first. Write a Alaska demand letter →
Also good to know
- The landlord must tell the tenant the terms under which the deposit may be withheld.
- The pet deposit must be accounted for separately and may be used only for pet damage.
Sources
- Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070 Retrieved October 11, 2026.
- Alaska Stat. §§ 34.03.020, 34.03.090 (condition statement) Retrieved October 11, 2026.
- Alaska Stat. § 22.15.040 (small claims) Retrieved October 11, 2026.
Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 11, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; see our methodology.