If you’re a tenant in Alaska, it’s important to stay informed about any changes in rent increase laws. As of 2025, there are several key aspects of Alaska’s rent control and increase regulations that you should understand to avoid surprises and ensure you are treated fairly as a renter. Here’s everything tenants need to know about rent increases in Alaska.
No Statewide Rent Control in Alaska
Alaska is one of the states that does not have statewide rent control. This means that landlords have the ability to increase rent, and they are not limited by a specific percentage increase. However, this doesn’t mean that landlords can raise rent whenever they want. There are still laws in place that protect tenants in terms of how and when rent increases can happen.
How Much Can Rent Be Increased in Alaska?
While there is no cap on rent increases, landlords are required to follow specific guidelines for raising rent. In Alaska, the most important thing to remember is the notice period that a landlord must provide before increasing rent. For most rental agreements, the landlord must provide written notice of a rent increase at least 30 days before the new rent takes effect. If the tenant has a lease agreement longer than one year, the notice period may increase, so it’s important to refer to your lease for any specific clauses.
Rental Agreements and Rent Increase
If you are on a month-to-month lease, the landlord can increase rent with the proper notice (usually 30 days). However, if you have a fixed-term lease, the rent typically remains unchanged until the lease expires unless there is a rent increase clause in your contract.
In the case of a long-term lease (one year or more), rent increases cannot generally be made until the lease renews, unless both parties agree to a change in the agreement. Some leases may include terms that allow rent increases during the term of the lease, but these must be clearly stated in the lease.
Does Alaska Have Rent Control?
As previously mentioned, Alaska does not have rent control laws that limit how much landlords can increase the rent. This means there is no maximum percentage for rent hikes, unlike some states with strict rent control laws. The lack of rent control in Alaska means that tenants may face significant rent increases, especially in high-demand areas like Anchorage or Fairbanks.
What to Do If You Think the Rent Increase Is Unfair
If you believe that your rent increase is unreasonable or unfair, you have a few options. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with your landlord to reduce or delay the increase. If the increase is significantly higher than the market rate for similar properties in your area, it may be worth discussing your concerns with your landlord.
If you feel that the rent increase violates the terms of your lease or the laws in Alaska, you may want to seek legal advice. Alaska tenants can consult with a legal aid service or an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law to understand their rights and explore options for contesting the increase.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay the Increased Rent?
If you refuse to pay the new rent after receiving proper notice, the landlord has the right to begin the process of eviction. However, the landlord must follow proper legal procedures to evict a tenant, including providing proper notice of eviction. Eviction is generally the last step landlords take if tenants fail to comply with the lease or pay rent.
Stay Informed and Know Your Rights
Tenants in Alaska do not have the protection of rent control laws, but they do have legal rights regarding the notice period and process for rent increases. If you are facing a rent increase, make sure to check your lease for specific clauses about rent hikes and ensure that your landlord follows the 30-day notice rule. If you have concerns, consider negotiating with your landlord or seeking legal advice to ensure that your rights as a tenant are protected.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/alaska-rent-control-laws/
[2] https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/rent-control
[3] https://mywaynecountynow.com/alaska-rent-increase-laws-2025-what-tenants-should-know/
[4] https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1846579
[5] https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Text/34?Hsid=HB0115A
