AK STATUTORY REFERENCE • Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070

Alaska Security Deposit Return Deadline & Penalty Calculator (2026)

In Alaska, landlords have 14 days (14 days if tenant gives proper termination notice; 30 days if tenant does not give proper notice or damages exceed normal wear) to return your deposit or provide an itemized deduction statement.

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Calculate Your Alaska Deposit Deadline & Statutory Damages

Enter your move-out / key-surrender date and deposit amount to check whether your landlord is past the Alaska statutory deadline under Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070.

2026 STATUTE SUMMARY

Alaska Security Deposit Law Quick Facts

Governing StatuteAlaska Stat. § 34.03.070
Return Deadline14 days (14 days if tenant gives proper termination notice; 30 days if tenant does not give proper notice or damages exceed normal wear)
Maximum Deposit Cap2 months' rent (unless rent exceeds $2,000/month)
Bad-Faith / Late PenaltyUp to 2.0x — Up to twice the actual amount withheld in noncompliance
Small Claims Court Limit$10,000
Interest Required?No unless deposit is placed in an interest-bearing account by agreement
Walkthrough / InspectionLandlord must provide written terms and conditions for deductions at move-in

Example: On a $1,800 deposit wrongfully withheld past the 14-day deadline in Alaska, statutory provisions allow claims up to $3,600 (2.0x) in Small Claims Court (limit $10,000).

INSTANT DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

Landlord Missed the Deadline or Overcharging for Normal Wear?

Get the complete Keep the Deposit Recovery System: our 48-Hour Move-Out & Dispute Handbook, 7 Fill-in-the-Blank Statutory Demand Letters (citing Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070), the 50-State Reference Guide, and the Excel Prorated Depreciation Audit Workbook.

  • Certified-mail demand templates for missed deadlines & itemized receipt requests
  • HUD carpet, paint & appliance useful-life prorated deduction calculator (.xlsx + PDF)
  • Room-by-room photo evidence log & small-claims preparation checklist
Download Keep the Deposit Kit — $7 Free 10-Min Room Check PDF
Keep the Deposit Recovery Handbook

How to Dispute Unfair Carpet, Paint & Cleaning Deductions in Alaska

Even when a Alaska landlord mails an itemized list within 14 days, they cannot charge you for normal wear and tear or bill you 100% of the replacement cost for an aged asset that has already exhausted most of its useful life.

1. Useful-Life Proration

Standard apartment carpet depreciates over 5 years (60 months). If carpet was 4 years old at move-out, the maximum recoverable value is 20% — never a full replacement bill.

2. Statutory Demand Notice

Send a written demand via Certified Mail citing Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070 and giving a firm 7-to-10 business day deadline before filing in Alaska Small Claims Court.

3. Prorated Audit Calculator

Use our free Carpet & Paint Depreciation Calculator to calculate the exact legal deduction cap in seconds.