What clauses are legally required in every Alaska lease agreement?
Every Alaska lease should identify the landlord/agent and all adult tenants, the property, the rent and due date, and the term. The Act requires the owner/manager identity disclosure (AS 34.03.080) and imposes the deposit rules below. A lease for a term exceeding one year must be in writing (AS 09.25.010).
Alaska security deposit rules — the two-month cap and tiered return
AS 34.03.070 governs deposits:
- Cap: the deposit and any prepaid rent together may not exceed two months' rent, except where the monthly rent exceeds $2,000 (then no cap).
- Return — proper notice, no deductions: within 14 days the landlord must refund the deposit with an itemized statement.
- Return — deductions for damages, or the tenant gave no proper notice: within 30 days.
The itemized notice of accrued rent and damages must be mailed to the tenant's last known address. For a multi-state comparison, see security deposit rules every landlord must know.
Late fees and rent rules in Alaska
Alaska does not set a statutory cap on residential late fees. A late fee is enforceable only if it is disclosed in the lease and reasonable — a reasonable estimate of the landlord's costs rather than a punitive penalty; courts may decline to enforce excessive fees. There is no state-mandated grace period.
Notice periods to end or not renew an Alaska lease
Alaska notice periods:
| Situation | Notice | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Terminate month-to-month tenancy | 30 days before the rental due date | AS 34.03.290 |
| Nonpayment of rent | 7-day notice to pay or quit | AS 34.03.220 |
The nonpayment notice (court form CIV-725) states the unpaid rent and late fees. Self-help eviction is unlawful.
What disclosures must Alaska landlords provide?
Alaska's required disclosures:
- Owner/manager identity (AS 34.03.080): in writing at or before the tenancy, the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and of an owner or agent authorized to receive service and notices.
- Lead-based paint (federal): the disclosure and EPA pamphlet for pre-1978 housing.
What happens if an Alaska lease is missing required terms?
Specific failures carry specific consequences:
- Deposit over the two-month cap: the tenant can recover the excess.
- Missed 14/30-day return: exposes the landlord to the wrongfully withheld amount and possible damages (AS 34.03.070).
- Missing owner disclosure: makes the party in possession the agent for service (AS 34.03.080).
Managing rentals in more than one state? Compare Alaska's rules with our Washington and Montana lease requirement guides.
Full Alaska disclosure checklist
For a dedicated, statute-by-statute rundown of every notice a Alaska landlord must give at signing, see our Alaska required lease disclosures checklist.
Create your Alaska lease agreement
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Create your Alaska lease agreement →Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum security deposit in Alaska?
The deposit plus any prepaid rent may not exceed two months' rent, except where the monthly rent is more than $2,000 (AS 34.03.070).
How long does an Alaska landlord have to return a security deposit?
Within 14 days if the tenant gave proper notice and there are no damage deductions; otherwise within 30 days, with an itemized statement (AS 34.03.070).
Is there a late-fee limit in Alaska?
No. Alaska does not cap residential late fees by statute; the fee must be disclosed in the lease and reasonable rather than punitive.
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in Alaska?
Thirty days before the rental due date (AS 34.03.290). Nonpayment of rent requires a separate 7-day notice (AS 34.03.220).
What must an Alaska landlord disclose?
The name and address of the property manager and of an owner or agent for service and notices (AS 34.03.080), plus the federal lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 housing.
Official sources
Primary statutes and official government references for this guide. Statutes change — always confirm against the current official text before you act.