Kotzebue, AK Security Deposit Laws 2026
Alaska limits security deposits to 2 month(s) of rent. In Kotzebue, that's $3,860 at the median 2BR rent of $1,930/month. Miss the 14-day return deadline and you could owe $3,860+.
In Alaska, landlords must return security deposits within 14 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $3,860 or more.
This applies to properties in Kotzebue, AK. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Kotzebue Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month(s) of rent = $3,860 at Kotzebue's median rent
- Return deadline: 14 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($3,860)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in Kotzebue
Under Alaska law, landlords in Kotzebue may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month(s) of rent. At Kotzebue's median 2-bedroom rent of $1,930/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $3,860.
$3,860
max deposit (2mo × $1,930)
14 days
return deadline
$3,860
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 14-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Kotzebue rental, Alaska law gives you exactly 14 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in Kotzebue:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate Alaska security deposit laws rules in Kotzebue and you could owe $3,860+. At Kotzebue's median rent of $1,930/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Kotzebue Rental Market Context
Kotzebue is the 17th-largest city in Alaska (population 2,979). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $1,930/month, it falls in the premium range for Alaska rental costs — 36% above the state median of $1,424/month.
How Kotzebue Compares in Northwest Arctic County
Kotzebue ranks #1 of 10 cities in Northwest Arctic County by population. Because security deposit laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kotzebue | 2,979 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Selawik | 760 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Noorvik | 645 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Buckland | 511 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Kiana | 422 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Kivalina | 416 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Ambler | 254 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Shungnak | 254 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Kobuk | 174 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
| Deering | 170 | $1,930/mo | $3,860 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Northwest Arctic County, Alaska. All cities follow Alaska state law unless a local ordinance applies.
Don’t risk it. Let LeaseBase handle the compliance.
LeaseBase automatically tracks deposit amounts, calculates return deadlines, and generates compliant itemized statements — so you never miss a deadline.
Track Deposit Deadlines FreeFree to explore · No credit card required
How Kotzebue Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Kotzebue landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Kotzebue) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,331/mo | $2,662 | $5,324 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,471/mo | $2,942 | $5,884 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,930/mo | $3,860 | $7,720 |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,547/mo | $5,094 | $10,188 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Northwest Arctic Borough.
Calculate Your Limits
Enter your Kotzebue rent amount to see exact limits and penalty exposure.
Free Calculator →No signup required.
More Kotzebue Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
Track Kotzebue Compliance Automatically
LeaseBase monitors Alaska landlord-tenant laws and alerts you before deadlines.
Never miss a security deposit laws deadline in Kotzebue
LeaseBase tracks deposit amounts, calculates return deadlines, and generates compliant itemized statements automatically.
Free to explore · No credit card required
Not ready to start? Get the free Security Deposit Laws checklist for Alaska landlords.
Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
