Tenant Rights in Juneau, Alaska (2026 Guide)

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Key Takeaways

No rent control in Juneau or anywhere in Alaska. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with at least 30 days' written notice (AS 34.03.290).
Landlords must return deposits within 14 days if no deductions, or within 30 days with an itemized statement. Failure forfeits the right to make deductions (AS 34.03.070).
Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before termination of tenancy (AS 34.03.290).
Alaska does not require just cause for eviction at end of a lease term. Common eviction grounds include nonpayment of rent (7-day notice) and lease violations (10-day notice to cure) under AS 34.03.220.
Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Alaska Court System Self-Help Center, Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority

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1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Juneau

Juneau is Alaska's state capital and home to approximately 32,000 residents, many of whom rent in a market shaped almost entirely by state law. As with all Alaska cities, Juneau has enacted no local rent control, just-cause eviction requirements, or other tenant ordinances beyond what the state provides. Renters most commonly ask about security deposit rules, how much notice is required before eviction, and what to do when a landlord fails to make repairs.

Alaska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) is the primary source of tenant protections statewide. It covers habitability standards — critically important given Juneau's cold climate — security deposit procedures, prohibited landlord conduct, and the formal eviction process. Understanding these state-level rights is essential for every Juneau renter.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change and individual circumstances vary. Consult a licensed Alaska attorney or a free legal aid service for guidance specific to your situation.

2. Does Juneau Have Rent Control?

Juneau has no rent control ordinance, and no city or borough in Alaska has enacted one. Alaska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) governs the landlord-tenant relationship statewide but does not cap the amount by which a landlord may increase rent.

Landlords in Juneau may raise rent by any dollar amount. The only requirement is that the landlord provide the tenant with at least 30 days' written notice before the rent increase takes effect for a month-to-month tenancy, per AS 34.03.290. Tenants who receive a rent increase notice they cannot afford should negotiate with the landlord or begin looking for alternative housing within that 30-day window.

3. Alaska State Tenant Protections That Apply in Juneau

Alaska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) provides Juneau tenants with the following key protections:

Habitability (AS 34.03.100): Landlords must maintain rental units in a safe and livable condition, including working heat — a critical requirement in Juneau's climate — functioning plumbing, and structural safety. After receiving written notice from the tenant, the landlord has a reasonable time to complete necessary repairs.
Right to Privacy (AS 34.03.140): Landlords must give at least 24 hours' advance notice before entering the rental unit, except in genuine emergencies.
Retaliation Protection (AS 34.03.310): Landlords may not raise rent, reduce services, or initiate eviction proceedings in retaliation for a tenant's good-faith complaint to a housing inspector, a government agency, or the landlord about code violations or uninhabitable conditions.
Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction (AS 34.03.210): Landlords are prohibited from removing a tenant by force or by cutting off utilities, changing locks, or removing doors and windows. Any such conduct is illegal; a landlord must go through the court process to remove a tenant.
Anti-Discrimination (AS 18.80.240): It is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent or to change lease terms based on sex, race, religion, national origin, color, disability, marital status, or pregnancy.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Juneau

Alaska law (AS 34.03.070) limits security deposits to two months' rent for an unfurnished unit and three months' rent for a furnished unit (pets may result in an additional deposit).

After a tenant moves out, the landlord has two deadlines:

14 days to return the full deposit if there are no deductions.
30 days to return any remaining balance along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

If the landlord fails to comply with these deadlines, the landlord forfeits the right to keep any portion of the deposit and must return it in full. Tenants can sue in small claims court to recover an improperly withheld deposit. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. To protect yourself, document the unit's condition with photos at move-in and move-out and send your forwarding address to the landlord in writing.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Juneau

Landlords in Juneau must follow Alaska's formal eviction process under AS 34.03.220–AS 34.03.290. Self-help eviction — such as changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — is illegal (AS 34.03.210) and can expose the landlord to damages.

Types of eviction notice:

7-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate: For failure to pay rent, the landlord must give written notice giving the tenant 7 days to pay all past-due rent or vacate (AS 34.03.220(b)).
10-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate: For a curable lease violation (e.g., unauthorized pet, excessive noise), the landlord must give 10 days to correct the problem or vacate (AS 34.03.220(a)).
Unconditional Quit Notice: For repeated violations within 6 months of a prior notice, the landlord may issue a notice to vacate without an opportunity to cure (AS 34.03.220(b)).
30-Day Notice: For terminating a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice (AS 34.03.290).

Court process: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord must file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) complaint in Alaska District Court. The tenant has the right to appear and present a defense at the hearing. Alaska does not have a statewide just-cause eviction requirement, so a landlord may choose not to renew a lease without providing a reason, as long as proper notice is given. A writ of assistance is required for law enforcement to remove a tenant — a landlord cannot do so unilaterally.

6. Resources for Juneau Tenants

Alaska Legal Services Corporation — Landlord & Tenant Helpline — Free legal advice for tenants from volunteer attorneys; call 907-743-1000 (Anchorage) or 855-743-1001 (toll-free statewide).
Alaska Court System Self-Help Center — Housing — Official court forms, guides, and instructions for handling landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings without an attorney.
Alaska Law Help — Landlord and Tenant Act Guide — Plain-English explanation of tenant rights and landlord obligations under Alaska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA) — Southeast Alaska's largest affordable housing provider; offers rental housing and housing assistance programs for Juneau residents.
Juneau Coalition on Housing and Homelessness — Local coalition connecting Juneau residents to emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and housing stability resources.
Alaska Department of Law — Landlord and Tenant Information — Official state consumer information on landlord-tenant law, including links to statutes and the Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act booklet.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. The information above reflects Alaska statutes and publicly available sources as of May 2026. Always verify current law with the Alaska Court System, Alaska Legal Services Corporation, or a licensed Alaska attorney before taking legal action.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Juneau have rent control?

No. Juneau has no rent control ordinance and neither does any other city in Alaska. Alaska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) does not limit the amount a landlord may charge for rent. No local law in Juneau or the City and Borough changes this.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Juneau?

There is no cap on rent increases in Juneau or anywhere in Alaska. A landlord can raise rent by any amount. However, for month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before the increase takes effect, as required by AS 34.03.290. If you cannot afford the increase, you may negotiate or give notice to vacate within that window.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Juneau?

Under AS 34.03.070, your landlord must return your full deposit within 14 days if there are no deductions, or return the remaining balance with a written itemized statement of deductions within 30 days of move-out. If the landlord misses these deadlines, they forfeit the right to deduct anything and must return the full deposit. You can sue in small claims court to recover a wrongfully withheld deposit.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Juneau?

Notice requirements depend on the reason for eviction under AS 34.03.220–34.03.290. For nonpayment of rent, you must receive a 7-day written notice to pay or vacate. For a curable lease violation, the notice period is 10 days. To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice. If you do not comply, the landlord must then file a court action — they cannot remove you without a court order.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Juneau?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Alaska. Under AS 34.03.210, a landlord cannot forcibly remove a tenant by changing locks, removing doors or windows, or cutting off utilities such as heat, water, or electricity to force you out. If your landlord does any of these things, you may have a legal claim for damages. Contact Alaska Legal Services Corporation or file a complaint through the Alaska Court System.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Juneau?

Under AS 34.03.100, landlords are legally required to maintain the rental unit in a habitable condition, including working heat — essential in Juneau's climate. First, notify your landlord of the needed repair in writing and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, Alaska law may allow you to repair and deduct the cost from rent (for minor repairs), withhold rent, or terminate the lease for material noncompliance. Contact Alaska Legal Services Corporation at 855-743-1001 for guidance before taking any of these steps.

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