Most Commonly Used Alaska Lease Agreements
The most commonly used Alaska lease agreements include commercial lease agreements, a residential lease agreement (this can include a month-to-month lease agreement or standard lease agreement), and a lease to own agreement. Roommates agreements are another form of lease agreement as are sublease agreements. However, you should speak with the landlord and ensure that having a roommate or sublessee is permitted.
While all of the most commonly used Alaska rental lease agreements share many of the same elements, there are also distinct differences:
- For example, a roommate agreement may explain which areas in the rental unit or apartment are for the exclusive use of the roommate and which areas are considered common areas and may be used by all occupants.
- A standard lease agreement may be for one year, and upon termination of that time period, switch to a month-to-month lease or automatically renew for another year. However, it may be similar to a month-to-month lease as well. Both lease types may require a 30-day written notice to move out at the end of the agreement if either the tenant or landlord do not plan to renew the agreement.
How to Write an Alaska Lease Agreement
Alaska lease agreements must comply with Alaska laws. Otherwise, they cannot be enforced in court. There are several laws that must be followed. You’ll learn more about those in the sections that cover disclosures and security deposits.
Before you sign an Alaska lease agreement, read the terms. You also have the right to have the document reviewed by a lawyer before you sign it.
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Names of the Parties - The landlord's full name or the property management company's legal business name as well as the full name of the tenant(s) is included here.
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The Property Address - This is the full address for the leased space or rental property, including the city, zip code, and any applicable unit number.
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Term Information - The type of lease agreement the parties agree to enter into. For example, a month-to-month lease or a fixed term. A fixed term lease means that the parties agree that the tenant will hold possession of the space for a certain amount of time, usually one year. If it is a fixed lease, this section should include the date that the lease will end.
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Rent Amount - The date that the lease will begin, the amount of the monthly rent that must be paid, the day of the month that the rent is due, and the address where the rent may be paid.
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Late Fees - List any applicable fee that is due if the rent is not paid by a certain date.
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Security Deposit - The amount of deposit that must be paid in advance of the tenant taking control of the property. A security deposit is used to repair damages caused by the tenant.
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Initial Payment - The total amount of money that the tenant must pay to move into the space. This area should include the amount of the first month's rent, the security deposit, and the total of the two numbers added together.
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Occupants - The full name of each tenant must be listed even if they are a minor or are not signing the lease for some reason. This part of an Alaska residential lease agreement establishes who will reside in the residential unit. For commercial space leases, it designates those who have permission to use the space. If the presence of additional occupants changes the price of the rent, it should be included in this section.
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Utilities - Note which utilities or services a tenant does not pay.
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Parking - Informs the tenant if they will receive a parking space. If a parking space is reserved and there is a designated spot, the spot should be listed in this section.
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Furnishings - Tells tenants what they are allowed to install (such as a washing machine or dishwasher) or what they may not install. If the tenant is not allowed to bring their own appliances, that should be designated in this section.
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Notices - Lists the names of both the landlord and tenant (or property manager) along with their proper address. This contact information should be used if the parties need to send out a notice to the other party for some reason.
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Eviction - Informs prospective tenants about how eviction proceedings would be carried out in the event of nonpayment or breach of other lease terms.
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Additional Terms - Lists any other obligations that the parties agreed to that haven't been included in any other section of the lease agreement.
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Signature and Date - The document should be signed and dated by all parties.
Which Disclosures Belong in an Alaska Lease Agreement?
Under Alaska law, the following disclosures must be made by the landlord:
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Absence. If the tenant is going to be away from the property for seven days or longer, the Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act says that the landlord must be notified.
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Identification. The landlord is required under Alaska state law to identify and rely on the person authorized to receive notices or demands on behalf of the tenant. This could be the tenant, the spouse of a tenant, or another authorized individual.
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When a landlord can withhold the security deposit. Under Alaska state law, a landlord must explain that they have the option to withhold the security deposit for the reasons listed in the lease. An example of this is if there was substantial damage to the property.
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When a landlord may enter the property. Alaska landlord-tenant law states that the property owner or property manager must give proper notice or 24 hours notice to the tenant to enter the premises.
Under federal law, Alaska landlords must also disclose the potential exposure to lead-based paint if the housing unit was built prior to 1978.
What You Need to Know about Alaska Lease Agreement Deposits
Under state law, Alaska lease agreements can only charge a maximum of two months' rent as a security deposit unless the amount is more than $2,000. Additionally, if the tenant vacates the premises on time or properly terminates the lease, the landlord has 14 days to return the deposit. Landlords have 30 days to return the deposit if the tenant did not properly terminate the lease agreement.
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