Alaska Security Deposit Law
Alaska rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: Security deposits plus prepaid rent may not total more than two months' rent. Units renting for more than $2,000 per month are exempt from this cap. The landlord may require an additional pet deposit of up to one more month's rent; AS 34.03.070(a), (h)
The rules in Alaska
| Security deposit limit | Security deposits plus prepaid rent may not total more than two months' rent. Units renting for more than $2,000 per month are exempt from this cap. The landlord may require an additional pet deposit of up to one more month's rent; no pet deposit may be charged for service animals. Deposits must be kept in a trust account and may not be commingled with other funds (AS 34.03.070(c)). The pet deposit may be used only for damage caused by the pet (AS 34.03.070(h)(2)). Re-verified and corrected 2026-10-27. Source: AS 34.03.070(a), (h) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, if the tenant gave proper notice. 30 days if deductions are made for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or if the tenant did not give proper notice. In that case the 30 days run from the later of move-out or when the landlord learns the unit was abandoned. The landlord must mail the itemized notice and any refund to the tenant's last known address. If the landlord does not know the mailing address but knows how to reach the tenant, the landlord must make a reasonable effort to deliver them (AS 34.03.070(g)). Re-verified and corrected 2026-10-27. Source: AS 34.03.070(b), (g) |
| Itemized deductions | The landlord must give a written, itemized list of deductions (accrued rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear) with any refund. 'Nonrefundable' cleaning fees and automatic forfeitures are treated as unlawful. Normal wear and tear means deterioration from intended use without negligence, carelessness, accident, misuse, or abuse (AS 34.03.070(i)(1)). Damage caused by the landlord's own failure to meet its duties cannot be deducted (AS 34.03.070(b)(2)(B)). The 'nonrefundable fee' point comes from the Department of Law handbook. Re-verified and corrected 2026-10-27. |
| Interest on deposits | No statute — Alaska does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. The landlord must promptly place deposits and prepaid rent in a trust account (bank, savings and loan, or licensed escrow agent) and may not commingle them with other funds. AS 34.03.070(a)-(i) contains no interest requirement. A lease may still promise interest. Re-verified and corrected 2026-10-27. Source: AS 34.03.070 |
| Penalty for withholding | If the landlord willfully fails to comply, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. The penalty applies to a willful failure to return the deposit and itemize deductions as AS 34.03.070(b) requires. Re-verified and corrected 2026-10-27. Source: AS 34.03.070(d) |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
Templates
Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Alaska vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Security deposits plus prepaid rent may not total more than two months' rent. Units renting for more than $2,000 per month are exempt from this cap. The landlord may require an additional pet deposit of up to one more month's rent; no pet deposit may be charged for service animals. AS 34.03.070(a), (h) | 14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, if the tenant gave proper notice. 30 days if deductions are made for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or if the tenant did not give proper notice. In that case the 30 days run from the later of move-out or when the landlord learns the unit was abandoned. AS 34.03.070(b), (g) | The landlord must give a written, itemized list of deductions (accrued rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear) with any refund. 'Nonrefundable' cleaning fees and automatic forfeitures are treated as unlawful. AS 34.03.070(b), (i)(1); AS 34.03.120(c) |
| Washington | No statutory cap on a residential security deposit. A holding fee/deposit to secure a unit may not exceed 25% of the first month's rent, and tenants may request to pay deposits, nonrefundable fees and last month's rent in installments (3 equal monthly installments for terms of 3 months or more; 2 otherwise). RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.610 | 30 days after the rental agreement terminates and the tenant vacates (or 30 days after the landlord learns of abandonment). RCW 59.18.280(1) | Required: a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit, with supporting documentation (estimates, invoices, receipts; time and hourly rate for landlord's own labor). No deductions for ordinary wear, for carpet cleaning unless wear exceeds ordinary use, or for conditions not documented on the move-in checklist. RCW 59.18.280(1) |
City rules that may add to state law
More Alaska rental law
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- Alaska Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
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- Squatters' Rights in Alaska
- Alaska Rental Fee Rules
- Alaska Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- Alaska Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- Alaska Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- Alaska Landlord Selling the House
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- Alaska Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All Alaska landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in Alaska
Compare security deposits in all 50 states and DC →
Alaska Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alaska?
Security deposits plus prepaid rent may not total more than two months' rent. Units renting for more than $2,000 per month are exempt from this cap. The landlord may require an additional pet deposit of up to one more month's rent; no pet deposit may be charged for service animals. (AS 34.03.070(a), (h))
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alaska?
14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, if the tenant gave proper notice. 30 days if deductions are made for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or if the tenant did not give proper notice. In that case the 30 days run from the later of move-out or when the landlord learns the unit was abandoned. (AS 34.03.070(b), (g))
Does a landlord in Alaska have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
The landlord must give a written, itemized list of deductions (accrued rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear) with any refund. 'Nonrefundable' cleaning fees and automatic forfeitures are treated as unlawful. (AS 34.03.070(b), (i)(1); AS 34.03.120(c))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Alaska?
No statute — Alaska does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. The landlord must promptly place deposits and prepaid rent in a trust account (bank, savings and loan, or licensed escrow agent) and may not commingle them with other funds. (AS 34.03.070)
What happens if a landlord in Alaska wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
If the landlord willfully fails to comply, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. (AS 34.03.070(d))
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.