If your Alaska landlord has not returned your security deposit, start with the timeline and the paperwork. Alaska can use a 14-day path or a 30-day path, depending on notice, possession, damage deductions, and abandonment facts.
First, identify the deadline
The 14-day path is the cleaner path when proper notice was given, the tenancy ended, possession was delivered, and the landlord is not using the longer damage-deduction period.
The 30-day path can apply when the landlord deducts for damages, when the tenant did not give compliant notice, or when the landlord becomes aware the unit was abandoned.
Watch this step: save proof of move-out notice, possession return, key return, and your current mailing address. Those records help show which deadline applies.
What the landlord should send
The landlord should return the amount owed and send the written notice or accounting required by Alaska law. If money is kept, the accounting should make the deduction clear enough to evaluate.
Allowed deductions focus on accrued rent and damages caused by tenant noncompliance. Normal wear and tear is not the same as damage.
What to do next
Write a calm follow-up that states the move-out date, possession-return date, notice history, mailing address, deposit amount, and what is missing.
If the landlord still does not resolve it, the next letter should become more direct and cite AS 34.03.070.
Get the Alaska Recovery System
Helpful Alaska pages
- Alaska security deposit deadline
- Alaska demand-letter guide
- What Alaska landlords can deduct
- Alaska evidence checklist
Important: This page is general educational information, not legal advice.