Episode 146: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Alaska
Summary
Today’s location-specific episode features the Great State of Alaska. We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act.
Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions:
1) What are the basics of the The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act
2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?
3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental in the Great State of Alaska
4) Where to get help in your local area in the Great State of Alaska.
This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!
This episode includes resources for the Great State of Alaska including:
The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: what it means to you
Contact the Closest Alaska Legal Services Corporation Office
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
A Deep Dive into Alaska’s Tenancy Laws
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and welcome back to My Life as a Landlord. In this episode, we’re tackling the location-specific tenancy guidelines for the great state of Alaska. Like every one of these episodes, I follow a four-part framework: the basics of tenancy laws, unique nuances, how to handle abandoned items, and where landlords can get local help. Alaska is vast, rural, and unique—and its tenancy documentation reflects that. The Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act and its 60-page guide are some of the most comprehensive and well-organized resources I’ve come across.
What Makes Alaska Unique
One of the first things that stood out to me is how clearly Alaska lays out details like late fees, deposits, and pet policies. While the act doesn’t define a maximum late fee, it stresses that any fees must be agreed to in advance and not used to justify eviction. Pet deposits are capped at one additional month’s rent, but you can’t charge for service animals. Trust accounts are required for holding deposits and prepaid rent—and landlords must not treat those funds as their own. Alaska even allows landlords to deny tenants who smoke, since smokers are not a protected class under law.
Clear Guidelines for Abandoned Items
If a tenant leaves personal belongings behind, Alaska law requires the landlord to notify the tenant where the items are being stored and give them at least 15 days to retrieve them. After that, landlords can dispose of the property in good faith—sell it at public auction, donate it, or throw it away if it has no value. Alaska provides sample notice templates to make this process easier. These clear, actionable steps help protect landlords while offering tenants a fair opportunity to reclaim their items.
Tools, Forms, and Local Resources
This state has some of the best support I’ve seen for landlords. There are sample notices for nearly every situation: rent increases, nonpayment, damage, lease violations, and even how to serve notices. The Alaska Court System has a fantastic self-help portal, and Legal Services Corporation of Alaska offers guidance across the state. You can even call the Landlord-Tenant Helpline staffed by volunteer attorneys Monday through Thursday from 6–8 p.m. at (855) 743-1001. That’s amazing access for rural landlords or anyone managing property from afar.
Wrapping Up from Memphis
I recorded this episode in Memphis, Tennessee. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you? Alaska’s rules are robust, but they’re also manageable—especially when you use the free tools and support available. Join me in the next episode, already live in the library, where we head to the province of Saskatchewan. See you there!