, landlords can charge up to two months’ rent as a security deposit to lease a property. However, they can charge more if the regular monthly rent is over $2,000 a month. They can also charge a separate security deposit if the tenant has a pet.

Sometimes, laws regarding tenants and landlords can be about as clear as mud. This means figuring out your rights and obligations as a tenant—including paying security deposits and how to get them back—can be tricky at best.

That’s why insurance brokerage app

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put together this guide. That way, if you’re looking to rent in Alaska, you’ll know exactly how much landlords can charge for a security deposit, when they can keep part of your deposit, and how to go about getting your deposit back when you move.

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What is Alaska law on security deposits?

In Alaska, all security deposits are technically considered refundable—meaning as long as certain conditions are met, you’ll get your deposit back from your landlord when you move out.

The Alaskan Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

spells out all of the laws regarding security deposits along with specific landlord and tenant obligations.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Alaska?

A landlord in Alaska is only allowed to charge up to two months’ rent as a security deposit. However, they can charge an additional security deposit equivalent to no more than one month’s rent if the tenant has a pet.

The exception to this law is that if a property’s monthly rent is more than $2,000 a month, a landlord can charge more than two months’ rent as a deposit.

Once you’ve paid your deposit, Alaskan law requires landlords to deposit the money into a bank or trust account until you move out. Regular security deposits and deposits for pets must be kept separate.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alaska?

How quickly you get a deposit back from a landlord depends on the tenant.

If you give proper notice to your landlord that you’re moving out (written notice within 30 days of rent being due next), then your landlord has to return your deposit within 14 days after turning in your keys.

However, if you fail to give proper notice, or if your landlord has to withhold part of your deposit for any reason, they have 30 days to return your deposit.

What can a landlord withhold a security deposit for in Alaska?

Under Alaska law, a landlord can withhold part or all of your security deposit for the following reasons:

Unpaid rent

Damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear

If you paid an additional security deposit for having a pet, that deposit can only be withheld to repair damage to the property caused by the pet. Damage to the property that wasn’t caused by the pet has to be taken out of your regular security deposit.

If your landlord withholds part of your security deposit for any reason, they must provide you with an itemized list of deductions. They have to provide this list within the same time frames as your deposit—within 14 days if you gave written notice or 30 days without notice.

Key Takeaway Landlords in Alaska can withhold part or all of your security deposit if you still owe rent or if you or a pet caused excessive damage to the property.

MORE: How to find the best renters insurance

How to get your security deposit back in Alaska

Your first step to getting your security deposit back quickly is to provide proper written notice to your landlord that you intend to move out. Once you’ve provided written notice, your landlord has to get your security deposit back to you within 14 days after you move out.

Also, make sure you provide your landlord with a forwarding address. Alaskan law says landlords have to mail your deposit back to you. If you don’t provide your landlord with a forwarding address, that will only delay your deposit.

If your landlord fails to return your security deposit or doesn’t provide a list of deductions, you may be entitled to receive up to twice your original security deposit back.

How to save money on car and renters insurance in Alaska

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FAQs

Are non-refundable security deposits legal in Alaska?

No—all security deposits in Alaska are considered refundable. A landlord can, however, withhold part or all of a deposit if a tenant fails to pay rent or causes excessive damage to the property.

How long can a landlord withhold a security deposit in Alaska?

A landlord can withhold a deposit for up to 14 days after a tenant moves out if that tenant provided proper written notice. Without written notice, a landlord can keep a deposit for up to 30 days.

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