Up to $10,000 · 3 years to file.
A landlord who kept your deposit past the legal return deadline. In Alaska, small-claims cases for this kind of dispute are filed in the District Court (small claims), where you can sue for up to $10,000.
Your deadline: Alaska generally gives you 3 years from when the claim arose to file. Miss it and the court can dismiss the case no matter how clearly you're owed.
The filing fee is around $75 (About $50–$75 plus service.). Before you file, send a written demand letter and keep proof of delivery.
Source: Alaska Stat. § 22.15.040; deadlines: Alaska Stat. §§ 09.10.053, 09.10.070. Reviewed 2026-06-17 (verify with the court clerk).
Note on deadlines: Contract 3 yrs; tort/property damage/personal injury 2 yrs.
Suing for something else in Alaska: Alaska unpaid loan · Alaska property damage · Alaska unpaid rent · Alaska contractor dispute.
Suing for security deposit in nearby states: Washington ($10,000, 6 years).
General legal information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by county and court; consult a licensed attorney or your court clerk.
Updated July 2026