Renter's Rights in Alaska
Renters, also known as tenants, have many rights according to the Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act. Landlords have certain legal obligations to tenants, such as giving notice before a rent increase and keeping the premises habitable. Tenants also have duties to the landlord, such as using the dwelling in a reasonable manner and paying the rent on time. Written lease agreements between both parties may further assign duties to both the tenant and the landlord.
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Written Agreement and Condition Statement
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A written lease agreement stating all of the duties and conditions of both the landlord and tenant is a basic right of any prospective renter. Be sure the lease agreement clearly states whether the tenancy is month-to-month or for a set period of time, the amount of rent to be paid and to whom and repair and maintenance responsibilities. Tenants have the right to inspect the rental dwelling and complete a contents inventory as well as a premises condition statement to avoid being held responsible later for existing damages. The condition statement should be signed and dated by both parties and the tenant should receive a copy.
Security Deposits
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A tenant may be required to provide a landlord with a security deposit prior to moving into the property. The amount of the security deposit may not exceed the equivalent of two months of rent, according to the Alaska Landlord Tenant Act. The tenant has the right to know who will hold the deposit, where it will be held and the specific deductions that may be made later to reimburse the landlord for damages to the dwelling. Tenants cannot be charged for "normal nonabusive living," according to Alaska state law and the deposit must be returned within 14 days or a list of damages must be provided to the tenant.
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Living in a Rental Property
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Landlords owe many duties to tenants during their occupancy, including working plumbing and electricity and providing appropriate waste receptacles. Should a landlord fail to comply with the terms of the lease, the tenant may have the right to move out, obtain damages, deduct the cost of repairs from the rent or procure reasonable substitute housing while a problem is being fixed.
Eviction
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Should eviction become necessary for any reason, tenants still have rights, according to the Alaska Court System. A tenant must receive written notice from the landlord, known as a notice to quit, stating the reason for the eviction and how the problem may be remedied. After the notice to quit, the tenant receives a court summons and a copy of the landlord's complaint. The tenant has the right to appear and file a written response to the landlord's claims. Within 15 days of filing, an eviction hearing is held and the judge decides who is entitled to possession of the property.
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References
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