Alaska security deposit law
Did your landlord keep your deposit? Here's what Alaska law requires — and what they owe you if they broke it.
Return deadline
14 days
Max penalty
2x withheld
Small claims limit
$10,000.00
The deadline
Under Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070, your landlord must return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 14 days after you move out (30 days if tenant failed to give proper notice).
If they miss it or withhold in bad faith
Up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Deductions that usually aren't allowed
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes)
- Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants
- Damage that existed before you moved in
- Charges with no receipts or itemization
How to get it back
Send a formal demand letter by certified mail citing Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070, give the landlord 14 days to pay, then file in Alaska small claims court (up to $10,000.00) if they don't.
Check your case in 3 minutes — free
We'll check your dates and every deduction against Alaska law and show what you're owed.
Run Alaska auditInformational only, not legal advice. Verify current law before relying on it.