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Housing assistance in Alaska

Alaska renters are covered by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03). The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) runs public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program from offices in 16 communities. Heating help comes through the Department of Health's Heating Assistance Program, which combines federal LIHEAP with the state-funded Alaska Affordable Heating Program for incomes up to 225% of the federal poverty guidelines. Free legal help for low-income tenants is available from Alaska Legal Services Corporation.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers)AnchoragePublic housing agency Alaska Housing Finance CorporationStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in AlaskaHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Alaska

Energy and utility bills

  • Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP and Alaska Affordable Heating Program) Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Assistance

    Pays a once-a-year heating benefit to households with at least $200 a year in heating costs and income up to 225% of the federal poverty guidelines, plus crisis help if you are out of fuel or facing disconnection. Applications open September 1, payments start in October, and the last day for regular heating aid is April 30. Apply through the Alaska Connect portal, at a Public Assistance office, or by fax or email.

    Call 800-478-7778

Free legal help

  • Alaska Legal Services Corporation Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC)

    Free civil legal help for low-income Alaskans, including eviction and other housing cases. Apply online, by phone through the statewide intake line, or with a paper application.

    Call 1-888-478-2572
  • Alaska Law Help Alaska Legal Services Corporation

    Free self-help information on eviction, landlord-tenant issues and subsidized housing. The site also lists a free landlord-tenant hotline, staffed by volunteer attorneys from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

    Call 855-743-1001

Official tenant guides

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Alaska

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Deposit plus prepaid rent can total no more than 2 months' rent, but the cap does not apply to units renting for more than $2,000 a month. A landlord may also charge a separate pet deposit of up to 1 month's rent (not for service animals), which can be used only for pet damage.

AS 34.03.070(a), (h)

Deposit return deadline

The landlord has 14 days after move-out to mail the refund and an itemized notice of deductions if proper termination notice was given, or 30 days if deductions are taken for tenant damage. If the tenant did not give proper notice, the deadline is 30 days. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. A landlord who wilfully fails to comply can owe up to twice the amount withheld.

AS 34.03.070(b), (d), (g)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

7 days' written notice of nonpayment. If the tenant does not pay the rent in full within 7 days, the tenancy ends and the landlord can seek possession. The landlord may accept a partial payment and extend the eviction date.

AS 34.03.220(b)

Landlord entry notice

At least 24 hours' notice, with entry only at reasonable times. No notice is needed in an emergency or when notice is impracticable.

AS 34.03.140

Rent increases and rent control

No statewide limit on rent increases. Unless a lease says otherwise, a landlord may raise the rent by any amount but must give at least 30 days' notice before an increase takes effect in a month-to-month tenancy. HUD- or AHFC-assisted housing may have its own limits.

Alaska Department of Law, 'The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: What It Means to You' (2024)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

If the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply heat, running water, hot water, sanitary facilities or other essential services, the tenant may give written notice and then buy the service and deduct the reasonable cost from rent, or move to substitute housing without paying rent. For other serious defects, the tenant can give notice ending the lease in 20 days if the problem is not fixed within 10 days. In an eviction case for nonpayment, the court can lower the rent or order rent paid into court.

AS 34.03.180, 34.03.160, 34.03.190

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Alaska

More local contacts: HUD’s Alaska resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. AS 34.03 Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (34.03.070, .140, .160, .180, .190, .220)Alaska State Legislature
  2. AS 34.03.220 Noncompliance with rental agreement; failure to pay rentAlaska State Legislature
  3. AS 34.03.140 AccessAlaska State Legislature
  4. AS 34.03.180 Wrongful failure to supply essential servicesAlaska State Legislature
  5. The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: What It Means to You (2024)Alaska Department of Law
  6. Heating Assistance Program (Internet Archive snapshot, Oct. 7, 2026)Alaska Department of Health
  7. Apply for HelpAlaska Legal Services Corporation
  8. Alaska Law Help (Internet Archive snapshot, July 26, 2026)Alaska Legal Services Corporation
  9. Housing Assistance LocationsAlaska Housing Finance Corporation