Alaska Landlord Responsibilities for Habitability

Alaska Landlord Responsibilities for Habitability

Last Updated: October 10, 2023 by Roberto Valenzuela

Alaska legally requires landlords to meet certain “habitability” requirements for all rental properties. This means that they’re responsible for providing a property that meets specific health and safety standards and for fixing issues that violate them.

Alaska Implied Warranty of Habitability

In Alaska, the implied warranty of habitability means that a landlord must provide and maintain a safe and habitable rental property. “Implied” means the requirement applies whether or not the lease agreement specifically says so and even if the lease tries to waive the obligation.

Examples of clear habitability violations include:

  • Exposed electrical wiring.
  • A pipe leaking human waste.
  • A broken front doorknob that won’t lock.

However, the implied warranty of habitability does not guarantee that anything at the property will be pretty, clean, new or issue-free, so it doesn’t cover things like peeling carpet or dents in a wall. It only guarantees basic health and safety.

Landlord Responsibilities in Alaska

Note: Check local city/county laws and ordinances for additional requirements. Additionally, Alaska lets landlords and tenants modify many default rules with a specific written agreement, especially for single-family homes or expensive rentals. Check leases carefully.

Item Has To Provide? Has To Fix / Replace?
Air Conditioning / Heating Only Heating Only Heating
Hot Water Yes Yes
Kitchen Appliances No Yes
Washer & Dryer No Yes
Smoke/CO Detectors Yes Yes (except batteries)
Window Coverings No No
Light Fixtures No No
Landscaping No No
Garbage Removal Yes Yes
Garbage Pickup Yes Yes
Mold N/A Yes
Pest Control No N/A
Pest Infestations N/A Yes
Water Leaks N/A Usually
Clogs N/A Usually

Landlord Responsibilities for Air Conditioning & Heating in Alaska

Alaska landlords must provide as much heating as energy conditions permit, except by special written agreement on rural properties that haven’t been connected to water utilities. They don’t have to provide air conditioning.

Are Landlords Required to Provide Air Filter Replacements in Alaska?

Alaska landlords don’t have to replace things like air filters, unless heating equipment won’t work otherwise.

Landlord Responsibilities for Plumbing in Alaska

Alaska landlords must keep plumbing in reasonable working condition, as long as the renter is keeping plumbing fixtures clean and using them in a reasonable manner. There’s an exception for rural properties that haven’t been connected to water utilities.

Are Landlords Required To Provide Hot Water in Alaska?

Alaska landlords must provide and maintain running heated water for rental properties, as permitted by energy conditions. There’s an exception allowed when there’s a special written agreement regarding a property that hasn’t been connected to water utilities.

Are Landlords Responsible for Fixing Clogged Drains & Toilets in Alaska?

Alaska landlords have to fix clogged drains and toilets, unless the renter’s actions caused the issue.

Are Landlords in Alaska Responsible for Fixing Leaks?

Alaska landlords must fix any leaks that keep the plumbing from being in working condition, unless the renter’s actions caused the issue.

Landlord Responsibilities for Kitchen Appliances in Alaska

Alaska landlords don’t have to provide kitchen appliances such as a dishwasher, stove, oven, microwave, or refrigerator. However, a landlord of any property that’s been connected to water utilities must keep all provided appliances in safe working order.

Landlord Responsibilities for Electrical Issues in Alaska

Alaska landlords have to keep electrical facilities and appliances in safe working order, if the rental property has been connected to water utilities.

Are Landlords Responsible for Replacing Light Bulbs in Alaska?

Alaska landlords don’t have to replace light bulbs or particular light fixtures.

Landlord Responsibilities for Garbage Removal in Alaska

Alaska landlords must provide and maintain garbage management, including outside garbage containers and garbage removal services.

Landlord Responsibilities for Landscaping in Alaska

Alaska landlords don’t have an obligation to provide landscaping or maintain it with actions like cutting grass. They only have to deal with issues like fallen trees if they interfere with the cleanliness of common areas, violate local codes, or create a hazard to health and safety.

Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Mold in Alaska

Alaska landlords are responsible for most mold issues. While there’s no state requirement for testing, landlords must investigate and fix mold problems the renter didn’t cause, since they threaten health and safety.

Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Pests in Alaska

Alaska landlords are responsible for fixing pest issues that the renter didn’t cause, including rats, roaches, mice, bed bugs, and ants. There’s no state requirement for regular testing.

Landlord Responsibilities for Windows & Window Coverings in Alaska

Alaska landlords have no general responsibility to provide or maintain windows or window coverings. The landlord does usually have to fix broken exterior windows that aren’t the renter’s fault, since these threaten health and safety.

Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Safety Devices in Alaska

Alaska landlords are responsible for providing required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and repairing them if the renter asks.

Are Landlords Responsible for Replacing Batteries of Safety Devices in Alaska?

Alaska landlords are not responsible for replacing batteries in Alaska. Regular testing and battery replacement are the tenant’s responsibility.

Landlord Responsibilities for Doors & Locks in Alaska

Alaska landlords are responsible for providing secure doors. This includes providing and maintaining locks (which can include changing locks if security requires), and furnishing keys to the renter, upon reasonable request.

Landlord’s Responsibilities for Washers and Dryers in Alaska

Alaska landlords are not responsible for providing or maintaining a washer or dryer. However, a landlord of any property that’s been connected to water utilities must keep any provided appliances in safe working order.

Renter’s Rights for Repairs in Alaska

Renters in Alaska have the right to repairs for issues that affect health and safety, unless they caused the issue themselves. To exercise this right, the renter must start by requesting repairs from the landlord in writing. After receiving written notice, the landlord gets 10 days to fix the issue.

If the issue isn’t fixed, the renter can end the rental agreement, or ask a court to order repairs or compensation. Ending the rental agreement after proper notice is usually the renter’s only option out of court. The renter usually can’t repair and deduct, or withhold rent.

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