AI Alaska Security Deposit Return Letter

Generate a complete, legally grounded Alaska Security Deposit Return Letter, enter the deposit amount, itemized deductions, and move-out date to receive a properly structured return letter with the required itemized statement, correct return deadline, allowable deduction list, penalty-exposure disclosures, and forwarding-address acknowledgment, ready to mail., -

Alaska law (AS 34.03.070) requires landlords to return a tenant's security deposit, or a written itemized statement of deductions plus any remaining balance, within 14 days after the tenant gives advance notice of vacating and delivers possession, or within a reasonable time not to exceed 30 days if no advance notice was given. Failing to meet this deadline or improperly withholding any portion of the deposit exposes the landlord to liability for the full deposit amount plus damages under AS 34.03.070(g)., -

Part I, Pre-Departure Inspection Offer

Alaska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not mandate a formal pre-move-out inspection; however, offering one before the tenant vacates is strongly advisable. An inspection allows the tenant to remedy correctable conditions, reduces disputes, and documents the unit's condition as of move-out., -

PRE-DEPARTURE INSPECTION OFFER
STATE OF ALASKA

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Current Address or Last Known Address]]
[[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]]

FROM (Landlord/Manager): [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]], [[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone Number]] | Email: [[Landlord Email Address]]

RE: Pre-Departure Inspection Offer, [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]], -

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s)]],

As your tenancy at [[Rental Property Address]] is scheduled to end on [[Lease End / Vacate Date]], I am writing to offer you an opportunity to walk through the premises with me before your final move-out. The purpose of this inspection is to identify any cleaning or repair items you may wish to address prior to vacating so that deductions from your security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] can be minimized or avoided.

If you wish to schedule a pre-departure inspection, please contact me no later than [[Inspection Request Deadline (e.g., 3, 5 days before move-out)]] to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Whether or not you elect to participate in the pre-departure inspection, a formal accounting of your deposit will be mailed to your forwarding address within 14 days after you vacate the premises and deliver possession (or within a reasonable time not to exceed 30 days, as applicable under AS 34.03.070).

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Title (e.g., Landlord / Property Manager)]]
[[Date Signed]], -

Part II, Security Deposit Return Letter (Full Return, No Deductions)

*Use this letter when the full deposit is being returned.*, -

SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN LETTER, FULL RETURN
STATE OF ALASKA

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]], [[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]]

RE: Return of Security Deposit, [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]], -

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s)]],

Your tenancy at [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]], terminated on [[Move-Out / Possession Delivery Date]]. You delivered possession and provided your forwarding address on [[Forwarding Address Receipt Date]].

After inspecting the premises, I have found no deductions to be made from your security deposit. Accordingly, I am returning your deposit in full.

Enclosed is a check payable to [[Tenant Full Name(s)]] in the amount of $[[Security Deposit Amount]], representing the full return of your security deposit.

Check No.: [[Check Number]]
Check Date: [[Check Date]]
Payable To: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]

Thank you for your tenancy. This letter constitutes the landlord's complete accounting of your security deposit as required by AS 34.03.070.

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Title]]
[[Date Signed]], -

Part III, Security Deposit Return Letter with Itemized Deductions

*Use this letter when deductions are being made from the deposit.*, -

SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN LETTER, ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF DEDUCTIONS
STATE OF ALASKA
AS 34.03.070

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]], [[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone Number]]

RE: Security Deposit Accounting, [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]], -

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s)]],

Your tenancy at [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]], terminated on [[Move-Out / Possession Delivery Date]]. You vacated the premises and returned all keys on [[Key Return Date]]. You provided your forwarding address on [[Forwarding Address Receipt Date]].

Under AS 34.03.070, I am required to provide this written, itemized statement of deductions and return any remaining balance within 14 days of the date you vacated and delivered possession (having given advance notice of vacating), or within a reasonable time not to exceed 30 days where no advance notice was given. This letter and the enclosed accounting fulfill that obligation., -

Section A, Deposit Summary

> Alaska Deposit Cap, AS 34.03.070(a): A landlord may not require a security deposit exceeding two months' periodic rent. If the tenant paid a last-month's rent in addition to a security deposit, both payments together must not exceed two months' rent unless a separate pet deposit or non-refundable fee is authorized and clearly stated in the lease. Verify your total deposit does not exceed this cap., -

Section B, Itemized Deductions

Alaska law (AS 34.03.070(b)) permits a landlord to deduct from the security deposit only the following categories:

1. Unpaid rent owed through the final day of tenancy.

2. Damage to the premises beyond ordinary wear and tear, including damage to walls, floors, fixtures, appliances, or other components of the unit caused by the tenant, occupants, or guests, that exceeds normal deterioration from everyday residential use.

3. Cleaning costs necessary to restore the premises to the same level of cleanliness as at the commencement of the tenancy, to the extent the tenant failed to maintain that standard.

4. Other charges specifically authorized by the rental agreement (e.g., unreturned key fees, pet damage, unpaid utilities billed to the landlord), provided those charges are expressly stated in the written lease.

> Ordinary Wear and Tear, Not Deductible: Scuffed paint from normal furniture contact, small nail holes from picture hanging, minor carpet indentations from furniture, gradual fading of surfaces, and normal deterioration from everyday use are examples of ordinary wear and tear and are not deductible under AS 34.03.070. Charging for normal wear and tear exposes the landlord to liability for the full deposit plus damages., -

Deduction Line Items:

Section C, Supporting Documentation

Alaska law does not specify a minimum dollar threshold for documentation, but written receipts, invoices, or contractor estimates for every deduction are essential. Without documentation, the landlord cannot demonstrate the basis for the charge, and a court may treat the deduction as wrongful withholding, exposing the landlord to the full deposit plus damages. Best practice: obtain written documentation for every deduction, regardless of amount.

> Best Practice: Obtain at least one written bid or invoice per deduction. Attach before-and-after photos (dated at move-in checklist and move-out inspection) to document the condition that forms the basis of each charge. Photographs are frequently the deciding evidence in small-claims disputes., -

Section D, Balance Returned / Balance Due

IF a balance is owed to the tenant:

Enclosed is a check payable to [[Tenant Full Name(s)]] in the amount of $[[Deposit Balance Returned]], representing the remaining balance of your security deposit after the deductions described above.

Check No.: [[Check Number]]
Check Date: [[Check Date]]
Payable To: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]], -

IF deductions exceed the deposit (balance due from tenant):

The total itemized deductions of $[[Total Deductions]] exceed your deposit of $[[Total Deposit Held]]. Accordingly, the entire deposit has been applied to the charges above, and an additional balance of $[[Balance Owed by Tenant]] remains due from you.

Please remit payment in the amount of $[[Balance Owed by Tenant]] by [[Payment Due Date (e.g., 14 days from this letter)]] to:

[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Payment Address]]
[[City]], Alaska [[ZIP Code]]

If payment is not received, landlord reserves all rights and remedies available under the rental agreement and applicable Alaska law, including the right to pursue collection., -

Section E, Forwarding Address Confirmation

Tenant's Forwarding Address Used for This Mailing:
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]], [[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

If this address is incorrect, please notify us immediately at [[Landlord Phone Number]] or [[Landlord Email Address]]. Under AS 34.03.070, the landlord's 14-day return deadline is triggered by both (a) the tenant's delivery of possession and (b) the tenant's provision of a forwarding mailing address. If a forwarding address is never provided, the landlord should still send the accounting to the rental property address and request USPS forwarding, document all attempts., -

Section F, Statutory Notice to Tenant

Under AS 34.03.070(g), if a landlord fails to timely return the security deposit, fails to provide the required itemized statement, or wrongfully withholds any portion of the deposit, the tenant may recover the deposit or the wrongfully withheld balance, together with damages, in an action brought in Alaska District or Superior Court. Alaska courts have discretion to award reasonable attorney fees in such actions.

If you believe any deduction is improper, you may contact me to discuss the matter, consult a licensed Alaska attorney, or contact the Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act compliance resources through the Alaska Department of Law at law.alaska.gov., -

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Title (e.g., Landlord / Property Manager)]]
[[Date Signed]]

Enclosures:
- [ ] Check No. [[Check Number]] in the amount of $[[Amount Enclosed]]
- [ ] Receipt(s) / Invoice(s) / Estimate(s) supporting deductions (see Section C)
- [ ] Move-in / Move-out Inspection Checklist *(recommended)*
- [ ] Before-and-after photos *(recommended)*, -

Part IV, Delivery and Service

Alaska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03.230) governs the delivery of notices. The security deposit return letter and any enclosed check must be sent to the tenant's forwarding address. Best practice is to use a method that creates a reliable record of delivery:

> Important: Alaska does not have a statutory "mail is deemed received on X day" provision equivalent to some states. Send the letter early enough that it is postmarked, and the enclosed check is cashable, within the applicable deadline window (14 days if tenant gave advance vacating notice; 30-day outer limit if no notice was given). When unsure whether advance notice was given, treat the deadline as 14 days to be safe., -

Part V, Completing the Letter, Step-by-Step

1. Confirm the move-out date and key return date. Document in writing (email, text, or written receipt) the exact date the tenant surrendered all keys and vacated the premises. This is the possession-delivery date that starts the return deadline.

2. Obtain the tenant's forwarding address. Remind tenants during the pre-departure walkthrough and in final correspondence. If a forwarding address is not provided, send the letter to the rental property address and request USPS mail forwarding; retain all records. The deadline clock runs from the later of (a) possession delivery and (b) receipt of forwarding address.

3. Inspect the premises within 5, 7 days of move-out. Use the original move-in condition checklist to compare. Photograph all damage before making any repairs. Date-stamp the photographs.

4. Obtain quotes or invoices. Contact at least one licensed contractor or cleaning service and obtain a written bid or invoice for each deduction. This documentation is your primary defense against a tenant challenge.

5. Calculate the deposit accounting. Complete Section A (Deposit Summary) and Section B (Itemized Deductions). Exclude ordinary wear and tear. Do not include costs to repair pre-existing conditions noted on the move-in checklist.

6. Prepare the enclosures. Write or print the return check. Gather all receipts and invoices. Assemble copies (not originals) to mail with the letter.

7. Mail within the deadline. Send by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. For a tenant who gave advance notice of vacating, mail within 14 days of possession delivery. Retain the USPS tracking number and the green card or electronic delivery confirmation.

8. Retain all records for at least 3 years. File the move-in checklist, move-out photos, invoices, a copy of the letter, and proof of mailing., -

Part VI, Alaska Security Deposit Statutory Reference Table

Part VII, Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Missing the return deadline
Alaska's 14-day clock runs from the date the tenant both delivers possession AND provides a forwarding address. Set a calendar reminder the day keys are returned and the forwarding address is received. If the forwarding address arrives later than possession delivery, the clock starts from that later date, but don't wait: begin the inspection and accounting immediately.

2. Deducting for ordinary wear and tear
Scuffed baseboards, small nail holes, carpet indentations from furniture, faded paint, and normal deterioration are ordinary wear and tear and are not deductible under AS 34.03.070. Deducting for them exposes the landlord to full deposit liability plus damages. Only charge for damage that exceeds normal residential use.

3. Providing no itemized statement
A landlord who mails only a lesser-amount check, with no written itemized statement, has failed to comply with AS 34.03.070. Even if each deduction is valid, the failure to itemize in writing can make the entire withholding unlawful.

4. No supporting documentation
"Cleaning was needed" without a receipt, invoice, or estimate invites dispute and court loss. Document every charge with a contractor invoice, cleaning receipt, or at minimum a written estimate. Alaska courts expect contemporaneous written evidence, not post-hoc verbal descriptions.

5. Charging for pre-existing conditions
If a condition was noted on the move-in checklist, it cannot be charged at move-out. Complete a thorough, signed move-in checklist at lease start, have the tenant countersign it, and retain it for the life of the tenancy plus at least 3 years.

6. Exceeding the two-month deposit cap
Alaska limits security deposits to two months' periodic rent. If the deposit collected exceeds this cap, through a combination of security deposit, pet deposit, and prepaid rent, the excess may be unenforceable and the tenant may recover it. Audit your deposit documentation before making any deductions.

7. Sending to the wrong address
The letter must reach the tenant. If the tenant did not provide a forwarding address, mail to the last known address and use USPS forwarding. Document all attempts to locate a valid forwarding address., -

Part VIII, Deposit Return Checklist

• [ ] Move-out date and key return date documented in writing
• [ ] Tenant's forwarding mailing address obtained and confirmed in writing
• [ ] Return deadline calculated: 14 days from later of possession delivery or forwarding address receipt (or 30-day outer limit if no advance notice was given)
• [ ] Calendar reminder set for deadline date ([[Possession / Forwarding Address Date + 14 Days]])
• [ ] Premises inspected within 5, 7 days of move-out; photographs taken and date-stamped
• [ ] Original move-in checklist compared to move-out condition
• [ ] Ordinary wear and tear excluded from all deductions
• [ ] Deductions limited to: unpaid rent, excess damage, cleaning, lease-authorized charges
• [ ] Written invoices / receipts / estimates obtained for each deduction
• [ ] Total deposit held confirmed to be within two-month cap (AS 34.03.070(a))
• [ ] Deposit Summary (Section A) and Itemized Deductions (Section B) completed
• [ ] Return check prepared (or zero-balance letter if deposit exhausted)
• [ ] Supporting documentation copied for enclosure
• [ ] Letter mailed by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested
• [ ] USPS tracking number and delivery confirmation retained
• [ ] Complete copy of letter and all enclosures filed in tenant record
• [ ] Records retained for minimum 3 years, -

Disclaimer and Sources

Template, not professional legal advice. This template provides general guidance on Alaska security deposit return requirements as of June 2026 and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Alaska attorney. Security deposit law is subject to change; consult a qualified real estate attorney to verify that all statutory deadlines, itemization requirements, and permissible deductions are current and applicable to your specific situation. Invented values are tagged `[[merge fields]]`.

Sources (as of June 2026):
- Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, AS 34.03.010 through AS 34.03.380
- AS 34.03.070 (Security deposits, cap, return deadline, permissible deductions, itemized statement, penalty)
- AS 34.03.120 (Tenant duties, maintenance and care)
- AS 34.03.140 (Landlord right of entry, 24-hour notice)
- AS 34.03.230 (Notice delivery, written notice, mail or personal delivery)
- AS 34.03.310 (Retaliation prohibition)
- Alaska Human Rights Law, AS 18.80.240 (Fair housing, protected classes)
- Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.