Alaska Security Deposit Demand Letter (AS 34.03.070)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Alaska Statutes § 34.03.070, a landlord must mail the tenant a refund of the security deposit, with a written, itemized notice of any rent or damages deducted, within 14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned, or within 30 days when deducting for damage or when proper notice to end the tenancy was not given. That period has now passed.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for up to twice the amount withheld, if the landlord willfully failed to follow the itemization and refund rules.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Alaska
Alaska's deadline depends on how the tenancy ended. If proper written notice to end the tenancy was given, the landlord has 14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned to mail the refund, or 30 days if deducting for damage. Without proper notice, the deadline is 30 days. Landlords may deduct unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Every deduction must be itemized in a written notice mailed to the tenant's last known address, together with any amount due. If the landlord doesn't have a mailing address but knows how to reach the tenant, the landlord must make a reasonable effort to deliver the notice and refund. Deposits are generally capped at two months' rent, except for units renting above $2,000 a month.
A landlord who willfully fails to itemize and account for the deposit as required can be ordered to pay up to twice the amount withheld. Wherever practicable, deposits must be placed in a trust account and may not be mixed with the landlord's other funds. Claims up to $10,000, not counting costs, interest and legal fees, can be heard as small claims in Alaska district court.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Alaska limit: $10,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Alaska, the rules are set out in Alaska Statutes § 34.03.070. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award up to twice the amount withheld, if the landlord willfully failed to follow the itemization and refund rules.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Alaska the limit is $10,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Alaska security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Alaska Statutes § 34.03.070, a landlord must mail the tenant a refund of the security deposit, with a written, itemized notice of any rent or damages deducted, within 14 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned, or within 30 days when deducting for damage or when proper notice to end the tenancy was not given. That period has now passed.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for up to twice the amount withheld, if the landlord willfully failed to follow the itemization and refund rules.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Alaska landlord have to return a deposit?
Either 14 or 30 days. If proper written notice ended the tenancy, the refund is due within 14 days, extended to 30 days when the landlord deducts for damage. If proper notice was not given, the landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned.
What can an Alaska landlord deduct from my deposit?
Unpaid rent and the cost of damage caused by the tenant's failure to meet their obligations. Normal wear and tear, meaning deterioration from ordinary use without negligence or misuse, can't be deducted, and each charge must be itemized in writing.
What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a deposit in Alaska?
If the landlord willfully fails to send the itemized notice and refund as the statute requires, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount withheld, in addition to other damages allowed under the landlord-tenant act.
Is there a cap on security deposits in Alaska?
Yes. A landlord generally can't collect more than two months' rent as a deposit and prepaid rent combined, unless the rent is over $2,000 a month. A separate pet deposit of up to one month's rent is allowed.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
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