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Security deposit · Alaska

14 days if nothing is deducted, 30 with an itemized list.

By housr editorsStatute text checked 2026-10-05Legal review pending
A named legal reviewer hasn't signed this page yet. We read and quoted the statute ourselves on 2026-10-05. Until review, this page isn't indexed by search engines. This is information, not legal advice. See legal review.
The short answerAlaska Stat. §34.03.070(g)
Deadline30 calendar days
Before it applies14 days if proper notice was given and nothing is deducted for damage
If kept in bad faithFor a willful failure, up to twice the amount withheld

The rule

In Alaska, the clock starts when: tenancy ends and you hand back possession. The landlord then has 30 calendar days. The statute says:

“…the landlord shall mail the written notice and refund required by (b) of this section within 14 days after the tenancy is terminated and possession is delivered by the tenant, except the landlord shall have 30 days after the tenancy is terminated to mail the refund if costs are deducted for damages…”

14 days applies when a notice complying with AS 34.03.290 was given; 30 days when damage costs are deducted or no such notice was given.

For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 26, 2026, the date would be Nov 25, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.

What the landlord has to send

Accrued rent and damages itemized in a written notice mailed to your last known address with the amount due.

How much a deposit can be

Two months' periodic rent (not for units renting above $2,000 a month).

Do this

On move-out day

Give your forwarding address in writing and keep proof of sending. Photograph every room before you return the keys.

Deductions and wear and tear

Alaska's statute limits what can be kept to the purposes it lists. We haven't summarised its wear-and-tear language yet; read the section linked above.

For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.

If the deadline passes

For a willful failure, up to twice the amount withheld.

“If the landlord wilfully fails to comply with (b) of this section, the tenant may recover an amount not to exceed twice the actual amount withheld.”
Alaska Stat. §34.03.070(d)

The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.

Your next steps

Sources

  1. Alaska Stat. §34.03.070(g) · checked 2026-10-05

Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.