10 of the 10 rules below carry a statute citation that was read at the official source (most recently October 2026), with the controlling text quoted. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
Security deposit size: Prepaid rent plus security deposit may not exceed two months' periodic rent; the cap does not apply to units renting for more than $2,000/month. An additional pet deposit (non-service animal) of up to one month's rent is allowed and must be accounted for separately. (AS 34.03.070(a), (h), confirmed 2026-10). Returning the deposit: 14 days after termination and delivery of possession to mail the itemized notice and refund if the tenant gave proper termination notice; 30 days if costs are deducted for tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear, or if the tenant did not give proper notice (or on abandonment). Wilful noncompliance: tenant may recover up to twice the amount withheld. (AS 34.03.070(b), (d), (g), confirmed 2026-10).
Late fees: No statewide cap. The Alaska URLTA is silent on late charges; a flat charge that reasonably approximates the landlord's actual cost and is agreed in the rental agreement is generally enforceable, and a tenant current on rent cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees. (AS 34.03 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) — no late-fee provision, confirmed 2026-10). Application fees: No statutory cap. A nonrefundable application fee is permissible only to the extent it covers the landlord's actual, reasonable screening costs; a fee that converts to the deposit on move-in but is forfeited otherwise is unlawful. (AS 34.03.070 (via Alaska Dept. of Law guide, "What is a security deposit?"), confirmed 2026-10).
Nonpayment notice: Seven days after written notice of nonpayment and intention to terminate; if rent is not paid in full within that period the tenancy terminates and the landlord may recover possession. Only one notice is required per default; accepting partial payment extends the eviction date accordingly. (AS 34.03.220(b) (see also AS 09.45.105 notice-to-quit form), confirmed 2026-10). Rent increases: On a month-to-month tenancy the landlord may raise rent by any amount but must give at least 30 days' written notice before the increase takes effect; the notice is treated as a termination at the old rate and an offer at the new one. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease absent a lease clause. (AS 34.03.290(b) (via Alaska Dept. of Law guide, "Can the landlord raise the rent?"), confirmed 2026-10). Ending a month-to-month tenancy: 30 days' written notice before the rental due date specified in the notice (either party); week-to-week: 14 days while rent is current. Wilful bad-faith holdover: up to 1.5x actual damages. (AS 34.03.290(b), confirmed 2026-10). Entry: At least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times and with the tenant's consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld); no notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. (AS 34.03.140(c), confirmed 2026-10).
Alaska has no statewide rent regulation on file, so any cap on increases would come from a local ordinance. Source-of-income protection is not on file statewide, although cities and counties can add it. Card surcharges on rent: allowed within card-network limits. Managing property for others for compensation generally requires a state license: State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
Security deposits
What Alaska allows a landlord to collect up front, how it must be held, and the deadline and paperwork for returning it.
Security deposit limit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Prepaid rent plus security deposit may not exceed two months' periodic rent; the cap does not apply to units renting for more than $2,000/month. An additional pet deposit (non-service animal) of up to one month's rent is allowed and must be accounted for separately.
“a landlord may not demand or receive prepaid rent or a security deposit, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of two months' periodic rent. This section does not apply to rental units where the rent exceeds $2,000 a month.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
statute exempts units renting above $2,000/month.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “2× monthly rent”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The maximum a landlord may collect up front as security against unpaid rent or damage, usually expressed as a multiple of one month's rent. Separate pet, key or cleaning deposits often count toward the same limit.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-10
14 days after termination and delivery of possession to mail the itemized notice and refund if the tenant gave proper termination notice; 30 days if costs are deducted for tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear, or if the tenant did not give proper notice (or on abandonment). Wilful noncompliance: tenant may recover up to twice the amount withheld.
“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”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
the 30-day branch applies whenever damages are deducted.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “14 days after move-out”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The window after the tenant vacates in which the landlord must refund the deposit or deliver an itemized statement of deductions. Missing the deadline is the most common way a landlord forfeits the right to keep any part of the deposit.
Separate pet deposit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
A separate, additional pet deposit is allowed above the two-month deposit cap for a tenant with a pet that is not a service animal; it may not exceed one month's periodic rent, must be accounted for separately, and may be applied only to damages directly related to the pet. (General cap: two months' rent, not applicable where rent exceeds $2,000/month, § 34.03.070(a).)
“a landlord may demand or receive an additional security deposit from a tenant who has a pet on the premises that is not a service animal. The additional security deposit (1) may not exceed the periodic rent for one month; and (2) shall be accounted for separately”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “Permitted”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Whether a refundable pet deposit can be collected on top of the security deposit. Even where it is permitted, the combined amount usually has to stay inside the overall deposit limit.
In practice
• Hold the deposit the way the statute requires (separate or escrow account where applicable) and record the account in the file.
• Document move-in condition with a dated, photographed inventory the tenant can sign; it is the only evidence that supports a later deduction.
• Send the itemized statement and any refund by a trackable method, and keep the receipts or estimates behind every deduction.
Rent, late fees and application fees
The fees a Alaska lease can charge, the statutory ceilings that override the lease, and whether rent increases are regulated statewide.
Late fees
Source-confirmed 2026-10
No statewide cap. The Alaska URLTA is silent on late charges; a flat charge that reasonably approximates the landlord's actual cost and is agreed in the rental agreement is generally enforceable, and a tenant current on rent cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees.
Absence confirmed by the official Dept. of Law guide ("The Landlord and Tenant Act does not state whether landlords may assess late charges").
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide cap (reasonableness standard)”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Any statutory ceiling on the fee for late rent and any mandatory grace period before it can be charged. Where there is no statutory cap, courts still strike fees they find punitive rather than a reasonable estimate of the landlord's cost.
Application fee limit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
No statutory cap. A nonrefundable application fee is permissible only to the extent it covers the landlord's actual, reasonable screening costs; a fee that converts to the deposit on move-in but is forfeited otherwise is unlawful.
The guide states the fee "is probably lawful" when limited to actual costs — an official interpretation, not express statute text.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide cap”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
A cap on what an applicant can be charged to apply, sometimes limited to the actual cost of screening and sometimes prohibited outright. Fee receipts and refund rules usually travel with the cap.
Statewide rent regulation
Source-confirmed 2026-10
(d) No statewide statute either way: Alaska has no statewide rent cap and no statute expressly preempting or authorizing local rent control. Rent is a matter of agreement under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03.020(a), (c)). The Act references 'rent controls' only in the retaliation provision (AS 34.03.310(a)(4)).
“The landlord and tenant may include in a rental agreement clauses and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or by law, including rent, terms of agreement, and other provisions governing the rights and obligations of the parties.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
A former emergency rent-regulation chapter (AS 34.06, 1974) is reported repealed in 1975 by secondary sources; not verified on the official site. No municipal rent-control ordinance was verified.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Whether a statewide law caps annual rent increases or whether rent control exists for covered units. Local ordinances can add limits even where the state has none.
In practice
• State the late fee, the grace period and the application fee in the lease in dollars or a clear percentage; a fee that is not in the lease is rarely enforceable.
• Never charge above the statutory cap even when the lease says more; the excess is unenforceable and can expose the landlord to penalties.
• Keep fee calculations in the ledger so a tenant, a court or an auditor can reproduce them from the rent roll.
Notices, rent increases and termination
How much written notice Alaska requires before a rent increase, before ending a month-to-month tenancy, and before filing for nonpayment.
Rent-increase notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
On a month-to-month tenancy the landlord may raise rent by any amount but must give at least 30 days' written notice before the increase takes effect; the notice is treated as a termination at the old rate and an offer at the new one. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease absent a lease clause.
The 30-day rule is the official Dept. of Law reading of the periodic-tenancy notice statute rather than an express rent-increase section; subsidized (HUD/AHFC) housing may limit increases.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “30 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The written notice a landlord must give before a rent increase takes effect on a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy. Fixed-term leases generally cannot be changed mid-term.
Month-to-month termination notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
30 days' written notice before the rental due date specified in the notice (either party); week-to-week: 14 days while rent is current. Wilful bad-faith holdover: up to 1.5x actual damages.
“The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month to month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least 30 days before the rental due date specified in the notice.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “30 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The notice a landlord must give to end a periodic tenancy without cause. Some jurisdictions require longer notice for long-term tenants or require a stated cause.
Pay-or-quit notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Seven days after written notice of nonpayment and intention to terminate; if rent is not paid in full within that period the tenancy terminates and the landlord may recover possession. Only one notice is required per default; accepting partial payment extends the eviction date accordingly.
“If rent is unpaid when due and the tenant fails to pay rent in full within seven days after written notice by the landlord of nonpayment and the intention to terminate the rental agreement if the rent is not paid within that period of time, the tenancy terminates”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Federally assisted/CARES Act properties may require 30 days (per Alaska Dept. of Law booklet).
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “7 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The notice a tenant must receive for nonpayment before the landlord can file for possession, and the time the tenant has to pay in full and cure. This is the step most often done wrong in an eviction.
In practice
• Serve notices in the form and by the method the statute names, and keep proof of service with the dated notice.
• Count notice periods the way the statute counts them (calendar days, business days, or "before the next rent due date") and build in a margin.
• Treat a notice to a possibly rent-regulated or subsidized unit as a legal check, because longer periods and extra content requirements usually apply.
Landlord entry
When a Alaska landlord may enter an occupied unit and how much notice the tenant must receive.
Non-emergency entry notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
At least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times and with the tenant's consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld); no notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable.
“Except in case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least 24 hours notice of intention to enter and may enter only at reasonable times and with the tenant's consent.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “24 hours”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The advance notice required before a landlord enters an occupied unit for repairs, inspections or showings. Emergencies are the usual exception.
In practice
• Give written notice with the date, a reasonable time window and the purpose, and log the entry afterwards.
• Emergencies are the only common exception; document what made the entry urgent.
• A pattern of unannounced entries is a common basis for tenant complaints and counterclaims.
Payments, fair housing and licensing
Operational rules that sit outside the landlord-tenant act but decide how rent can be collected, who can be screened out, and who may manage for others.
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
No statewide protection on file
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
Compliance posture values are reference data compiled from public statutes and are not source-confirmed line by line. Confirm with the state agency before relying on them.
Lease disclosures on file
Federal and state disclosures Aptoria's lease workflow surfaces for Alaska. This is a working checklist from public sources, not a complete legal inventory for a specific property.
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
Official sources
Primary sources a Alaska landlord should bookmark. Each link was fetched and read during the October 2026 review; the binding text is always the current official version.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alaska?
Prepaid rent plus security deposit may not exceed two months' periodic rent; the cap does not apply to units renting for more than $2,000/month. An additional pet deposit (non-service animal) of up to one month's rent is allowed and must be accounted for separately. (AS 34.03.070(a), (h), confirmed 2026-10).
How long does a Alaska landlord have to return the security deposit?
14 days after termination and delivery of possession to mail the itemized notice and refund if the tenant gave proper termination notice; 30 days if costs are deducted for tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear, or if the tenant did not give proper notice (or on abandonment). Wilful noncompliance: tenant may recover up to twice the amount withheld. (AS 34.03.070(b), (d), (g), confirmed 2026-10).
What is the maximum late fee in Alaska?
No statewide cap. The Alaska URLTA is silent on late charges; a flat charge that reasonably approximates the landlord's actual cost and is agreed in the rental agreement is generally enforceable, and a tenant current on rent cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees. (AS 34.03 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) — no late-fee provision, confirmed 2026-10).
How many days does a Alaska pay-or-quit notice give the tenant?
Seven days after written notice of nonpayment and intention to terminate; if rent is not paid in full within that period the tenancy terminates and the landlord may recover possession. Only one notice is required per default; accepting partial payment extends the eviction date accordingly. (AS 34.03.220(b) (see also AS 09.45.105 notice-to-quit form), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice must a Alaska landlord give before entering?
At least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times and with the tenant's consent (which may not be unreasonably withheld); no notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. (AS 34.03.140(c), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice is required to raise rent in Alaska?
On a month-to-month tenancy the landlord may raise rent by any amount but must give at least 30 days' written notice before the increase takes effect; the notice is treated as a termination at the old rate and an offer at the new one. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease absent a lease clause. (AS 34.03.290(b) (via Alaska Dept. of Law guide, "Can the landlord raise the rent?"), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in Alaska?
30 days' written notice before the rental due date specified in the notice (either party); week-to-week: 14 days while rent is current. Wilful bad-faith holdover: up to 1.5x actual damages. (AS 34.03.290(b), confirmed 2026-10).
Does Alaska have statewide rent control?
No statewide rent regulation is on file for Alaska. Local ordinances can still limit increases, so check the city or county where the unit sits before setting a renewal rent.
Is source of income a protected class in Alaska?
No statewide source-of-income protection is on file for Alaska, but cities and counties can adopt it. Check local law before refusing a voucher or benefit income, and apply any screening criteria consistently.
Can a Alaska landlord add a surcharge for paying rent by card?
Allowed within card-network limits. Where a surcharge is allowed, it must still follow card-network rules and be disclosed before payment.
How this page was verified
Every rule is shown in one of two states. “Source-confirmed” means an editor opened the official statute page named next to the rule on the date shown, read the controlling text, and recorded the excerpt you see; the excerpt is quoted verbatim so you can check it. “Reference value” means Aptoria's compliance engine applies a conservative number for this rule, but nobody has yet tied it to a specific statute section on this page, so it must be checked before you rely on it.
This page meets Aptoria's evidence floor for publication (10 source-confirmed rules and 4 fetched official sources). Statutes change; local ordinances can be stricter; the facts of a tenancy change the result.