State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Alaska Security Deposit Laws
Under Alaska Statutes § 34.03.070, Alaska landlords must return security deposits within 14 days (30 if tenant fails to provide forwarding address) of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 2x the deposit amount.
Quick Answer
In Alaska, landlords have 14 days (30 if tenant fails to provide forwarding address) to return your security deposit after you move out. The maximum deposit is 2 months' rent. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000) and may recover Up to 2x the deposit amount under Alaska Statutes § 34.03.070. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Alaska Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 14 days (30 if tenant fails to provide forwarding address) to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 2x the deposit amount. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $10,000without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $700-2,2005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $300-9003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Heating System Cleaning
Typical: $150-400May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Alaska deposit: $1,350 · Potential 71x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly must an Alaska landlord return my deposit?
If you provide a forwarding address, landlords have 14 days. Without a forwarding address, they have 30 days. Alaska has some of the shortest return deadlines in the nation.
What is the maximum security deposit in Alaska?
Alaska caps security deposits at 2 months' rent. If your landlord charged more, you can recover the excess plus potential penalties.
What penalties exist for Alaska landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits?
Alaska landlords who act in bad faith may be liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. You can sue in Small Claims Court for up to $10,000.
City-Specific Rules
Some Alaska cities have additional tenant protections:
- Anchorage: Anchorage has additional tenant protections under municipal code.
Official Resources
- Alaska Court System Self-Help(Court System)
- Alaska Legal Services(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Alaska's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Alaska Statutes § 34.03.070 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527