DisputeKit / Alaska
How long does a Alaska landlord have to return a security deposit?
14 days to return the deposit in full, or 30 days to send an itemized claim. Under Alaska Statutes § 34.03.070, a landlord must mail the refund together with a written notice itemizing any accrued rent and damages deducted within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award up to twice the actual amount withheld if the landlord wilfully failed to return the deposit or itemize deductions as the law requires.
I moved out of my place in on and my landlord still has my $ deposit.
Fill in the blanks to see your deadline. Free, no account.
Conditions that change the deadline
- The shorter 14-day deadline applies only if the landlord or tenant gave proper written notice ending the tenancy (AS 34.03.290) and the landlord deducts nothing for damage; if damage costs are deducted, the landlord has 30 days.
- If the tenant did not give proper notice ending the tenancy, the landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant hands back possession, or the landlord becomes aware the unit was abandoned.
- The itemized notice and refund are mailed to the tenant's last known address; if the landlord does not know a mailing address but knows how to contact the tenant, the landlord must make a reasonable effort to deliver them.
What Alaska law says about deductions and your rights
- A landlord may keep the deposit only for accrued rent and damage caused by the tenant's failure to meet tenant duties; normal wear and tear is not damage.
- A security deposit plus prepaid rent may not exceed two months' rent, unless the monthly rent is over $2,000; a separate pet deposit of up to one month's rent is allowed and may be used only for pet damage.
- Deposits must be kept in a trust account and the landlord must tell the tenant in writing the conditions under which money may be withheld.
If the deadline has passed
Send a written demand letter. State the dates and amounts, the law and the deadline, and a date by which you expect payment. Keep proof that you sent it.
If they still don't pay, you can file in small claims court. The limit in Alaska is $10,000 in district court small claims, not counting costs, interest and attorney fees, and the filing fee is Roughly $50 to $100 depending on the amount claimed; check the Alaska Court System's current fee schedule.
Steps
- Find your move-out date and deposit amount
- Work out when the clock started: The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit
- Count 30 days from that date to find the deadline (14 days if the landlord deducts nothing)
- Send a written demand letter citing the law
- File in small claims court if unpaid
Common questions
When does the clock start in Alaska?
The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit.
What if I got part of my deposit back?
You can still ask for the rest. Your claim is the deposit minus what was returned and minus any deductions you agree were allowed.
Can I get more than my deposit back?
Possibly. Alaska law allows a court to award up to twice the actual amount withheld if the landlord wilfully failed to return the deposit or itemize deductions as the law requires. A judge decides; it is not guaranteed.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not usually. Small claims court in Alaska is designed for people without lawyers. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney.