Alaska Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

The Alaska Month-to-Month Lease Agreement is a standardized contract outlining the legal dynamics between landlords and tenants for month-to-month rentals. Differing from fixed-term leases with defined expiration dates, month-to-month agreements in Alaska undergo automatic renewal every month, with termination requiring proper notice from either party. The laws are governed by Alaska Statutes § 34.70. 

Legal Aspects of Month-to-Month Leases in Alaska

In Alaska, Tenants enjoy a safe and habitable space under the Alaska Landlord-Tenant Act while fulfilling their responsibility to use the property responsibly. Owners, in turn, maintain essential features like functioning utilities and respect Tenant privacy, balancing their right to terminate with a 30-day notice requirement. Our free Alaska Month-to-Month Lease Agreement template simplifies terms, renewals, termination notices, and Tenant rights.

Lease Termination & Renewal

These are critical points for termination and renewal in Alaska month-to-month leases in accordance with the Alaska Statutes Title 34. By adhering to these terms, both parties can ensure a smooth and legally sound lease termination and renewal process.

Termination

• Both parties can terminate with 30 days’ written notice delivered before the first of the month.
• Owners may terminate for non-payment, lease violations, or property damage.
• Tenants may terminate for various reasons, including property not being habitable or interference with quiet enjoyment.
• Written notice is crucial (hand-delivered or certified mail is recommended).

Renewal

• Leases automatically renew unless terminated.
• No formal renewal action is required. Terms remain the same.

Rent Increases

The Owner reserves the right to increase the Monthly Rent at any time during the term of this Agreement. However, any such increase shall be subject to the following terms:

• Thirty (30) days before the effective date of the increase, the owner must give a written notice to Tenant. 
• The notice shall clearly state the new Monthly Rent amount and the Effective Date of the increase.

Security Deposit

• Upon executing this Agreement, the Tenant shall pay the Owner a security deposit of two month’s rent. However, there’s no limit on the deposit if the monthly rent amount is over $2,000. This deposit serves as financial protection for the Owner against potential damages to the Premises, unpaid Rent, or other breaches of this Agreement by the Tenant.

• The owner shall hold the security deposit in a separate account within a financial institution located in Alaska. Interest accrued on the deposit shall be paid to the Tenant or as otherwise required by applicable law.

• Owner shall return the security deposit, or any remaining balance thereof, to Tenant within 14 days if there are no deductions for any damages beyond normal wear and tear or any unpaid rent after the termination of this Agreement. However, if there are any deductions, then the Tenant shall receive the security deposit balance within 30 days. 

Tenant Rights

• Under the Alaska Jurisdiction, Tenants have the right to occupy a safe and habitable dwelling equipped with functioning utilities, free from unreasonable disturbances or intrusions into quiet enjoyment. The Owner shall treat the Tenant fairly and respectfully, regardless of any protected characteristics the Tenant may possess. 

Required Disclosures in Alaska

In Alaska, property owners must provide Tenants with comprehensive disclosures before finalizing a rental agreement. These Alaska Month-to-Month Lease Agreementdisclosuresare crucial for ensuring Tenant safety, maintaining transparency in the landlord-tenant relationship, and adhering to state and federal legal requirements. They encompass a range of information as follows:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: If the property was constructed before 1978, federal law mandates disclosing any potential lead-based paint hazards.

• Names and Addresses of Landlord and Agents: The authorized names and addresses of the Landlord and Agents must be included in this Alaskan rental lease.

• Tenant Occupancy and Absence Disclosure: Tenant must provide the Landlord with a notice if the Tenant will be absent from the property for more than seven days.

• Withholding of Security Deposit: The Landlord is obligated to include this disclosure and inform the Tenant that they have the right to withhold the security deposit in specific circumstances as outlined in the Agreement.