Updated for 2026

Alaska Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Alaska gives landlords just 14 days to return your full deposit (no deductions) or 30 days with deductions. The deposit cap is 2 months' rent — but if your rent exceeds $2,000/month, there's no limit. Penalties can reach 2x the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.

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Alaska Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline
14 / 30 Days
14 days (no deductions) · 30 days (with deductions)
Maximum Deposit
2 Months' Rent
No limit if rent > $2,000/mo
Penalty for Late Return
Up to 2×
+ court costs + attorney fees
Interest Required
✗ No
Applicable Law
Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070
$2,000/Month Rent Threshold: Alaska's 2-month deposit cap only applies when monthly rent is $2,000 or less. If your rent exceeds $2,000/month, the landlord can charge any amount as a security deposit. Always check your rent amount against this threshold before signing a lease.

Calculate Your Alaska Deposit Refund

Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to see your landlord's deadline and total refund.

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Alaska Security Deposit Law — Explained

Two-Track Return Deadline

Under Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070, landlords have 14 days to return the full deposit if there are no deductions. If the landlord intends to make deductions for unpaid rent or damages, the deadline extends to 30 days, and the landlord must provide an itemized statement of all deductions along with the remaining balance.

The $2,000 Rent Threshold

Alaska caps security deposits at 2 months' rent — but only when the monthly rent is $2,000 or less. For units renting above $2,000/month, there is no statutory limit. This means tenants in higher-rent apartments may face significantly larger deposits with no legal ceiling.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant. The landlord must provide an itemized written statement of all deductions within the 30-day window.

Strong Penalty Protection

Alaska provides meaningful tenant protection: if a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, the tenant can recover up to 2x the amount wrongfully withheld, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. This penalty applies when the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within the required timeframe.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

  1. 1
    Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease, receipts, and all communications.
  2. 2
    Provide your forwarding address in writing Alaska's deadline starts when you vacate and provide a forwarding address. Make sure this is documented.
  3. 3
    Wait 14–30 days 14 days if no deductions are expected; 30 days if the landlord claims deductions.
  4. 4
    Send a formal demand letter Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070. Send via certified mail.
  5. 5
    File in small claims court Alaska's small claims limit is $10,000. You can sue for up to 2x the amount wrongfully withheld plus court costs and attorney fees.

Alaska Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alaska?
14 days if there are no deductions, or 30 days if the landlord is making deductions (with an itemized statement).
What is the maximum security deposit in Alaska?
2 months' rent if monthly rent is $2,000 or less. If rent exceeds $2,000/month, there is no statutory limit.
What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Alaska?
Up to 2x the amount wrongfully withheld, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
Does Alaska require interest on security deposits?
No. Alaska does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
How do I get my security deposit back in Alaska?
Provide your forwarding address in writing, document the unit, wait 14–30 days, then send a demand letter and file in small claims court (limit: $10,000) if unresolved.

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