Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska: Small Claims for a Security Deposit
Limits: $10,000 (District Court small claims only). Court: Aleutians West Census Area court that hears small claims. Statewide filing fee: $50 for claims of $2,500 or less; $100 for claims over $2,500.
Filing facts
| State small claims limits | $10,000 (District Court small claims only) |
|---|---|
| Statewide filing fee | $50 for claims of $2,500 or less; $100 for claims over $2,500. |
| E-filing | Not verified |
| Time limit to sue in Alaska | 3 years. |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Penalty formula | wilful violation: landlord liable for twice the amount of the security deposit wrongfully withheld. Bad faith required: Yes. |
| Deposit statute | Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070 |
The fee depends on how much you claim; the court's schedule above shows the tiers.
Where to file
Aleutians West Census Area court that hears small claims
Courthouse city: Unalaska
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Link points to the state court directory
See how to file in Alaska for the state filing procedure.
Rent and deposits in Aleutians West Census Area
County median gross rent: $1,886 per month.
| Bedrooms | Monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $696 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,375 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,031 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,132 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,700 |
Illustrative deposit example computed from the county median rent: one month of the Census two-bedroom median is $2,031; two months is $4,062. This is an example computed from the county median, not a legal cap or a survey of deposits. The calculations below use the one-month deposit of $2,031.
State legal maximum deposit in Alaska: Not more than two months' periodic rent ($4,062 at the example rent), except the two-month cap does not apply where rent exceeds $2,000 a month. Landlord may require an additional pet deposit of up to one month's rent ($2,031 at the example rent) for a pet that is not a service animal, accounted for separately.
Total households in Aleutians West Census Area: 977.
Renter households: 689 (70.5% of all households).
Renters spending more than half their household income on rent: 46.7%. A delayed deposit refund can leave these households with less money for their next rent payment.
County rent and household source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070. Accessed .
Will my deposit claim fit the limit?
Using the county Census figure: two-bedroom median gross rent for Aleutians West Census Area, $2,031 per month.
The deposit range does not include penalties, interest, or other amounts you may claim.
- Compared with $10,000 (District Court small claims only), the whole deposit range fits.
A claim above the applicable limit must either be reduced to that limit or go to a different court.
Towns this court serves
A deposit claim is usually filed where the property sits or where the landlord is.
- Adak
- Atka
- St. George
- St. Paul
- Unalaska
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file.
Statewide court resources
Statewide help
- Alaska Legal Services Corporation
free civil legal aid on housing problems including landlord-tenant disputes, eviction concerns, and property maintenance, plus a Landlord and Tenant Helpline at 1-855-743-1001
Phone: 1-888-478-2572
These are independent organisations, not DemandLetterLab.
From letter to filing
- Send an Alaska security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 14 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in Alaska: 3 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
This template uses Alaska law. Your county decides where you file, not which law applies.
Free Alaska template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Alaska law (Alaska Stat. § 34.03.070), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [14 calendar days / 30 calendar days, see the note above] after [the event listed in the note above].
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Aleutians West Census Area?
Statewide filing fee: $50 for claims of $2,500 or less; $100 for claims over $2,500.
How long do I have to sue?
Time limit to sue in Alaska: 3 years.
Where do I file?
Aleutians West Census Area court that hears small claims. Courthouse city: Unalaska. Check the court's instructions for the right filing location.