What should I do first if I find mold in my Alaska rental?

Take photos, notify your landlord in writing, and request repairs immediately.

Can I withhold rent until mold is fixed?

No, Alaska law requires you to follow legal repair and notice steps before withholding or deducting rent.

Who handles landlord-tenant complaints in Alaska?

Alaska’s District Court is the official tribunal for rental disputes, including mold complaints.

What form do I use to demand repairs from my landlord?

Use the 'Notice to Landlord to Repair or Correct Condition' found on the Alaska Court System website.

Where can I find more help for landlords not fixing mold?

Contact the Alaska Legal Services Corporation or the Alaska Division of Consumer Protection for legal help and complaints.

Alaska Renters’ Rights: What to Do About Mold Problems

Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Alaska published: June 21, 2025

Mold problems can make a rental unhealthy or even unsafe. Alaska renters often worry: does the landlord have to fix it? How do you get repairs made if dangerous mold appears? This guide covers what renters in Alaska need to know about mold, repairs, your rights, and official resources for help.

Does Your Landlord Have to Repair Mold Issues in Alaska?

In Alaska, landlords are legally required to keep rental units safe and habitable, which generally includes fixing problems like substantial mold growth. The Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) outlines landlord and tenant duties regarding property maintenance.

Responsibility: Landlords must maintain the rental in a way that does not endanger health, such as keeping ceilings, walls, and plumbing dry and clean.
Tenants must keep the unit clean and notify the landlord about leaks or other conditions likely to cause mold.

What “Habitability” Means for Mold

Habitability means a rental meets basic living and safety standards. Widespread mold, especially when caused by leaks, is often considered a violation of these standards. However, small surface mildew due to improper cleaning may fall under the tenant’s responsibility.

Steps to Take if You Find Mold in Your Alaska Rental

Act quickly if you discover mold—large mold problems can get worse and become a health hazard.

1. Document the problem: Take photos and write down where you see mold, water leaks, or moisture.
2. Notify your landlord in writing: Send a written notice (email, letter, or text) clearly describing the mold and how urgent it is. Keep a copy of your message.
3. Give your landlord a reasonable time to respond: Under Alaska law, landlords have a “reasonable time” (often interpreted as 10 days for non-emergency repairs) after written notice to act, unless the problem is urgent.
4. If no action is taken: Consider your legal options below. Never withhold rent without following the correct process.

For more on repair responsibilities, refer to Alaska Statutes AS 34.03.100 and AS 34.03.120.

When Your Landlord Won’t Fix Mold: Next Steps and Official Forms

If your landlord does not fix significant mold issues after written notice, you may be able to:

Request an official inspection by your local health department or code enforcement (if available)
Use Alaska state repair-and-deduct procedures (see below)
File an official complaint

Official Alaska Tenant Forms

Notice to Landlord to Repair or Correct Condition (AS 34.03.180):
Alaska Landlord-Tenant Forms
Use this form to give your landlord written notice about the mold and request repair. Example: Maria notices black mold growing near her bathtub. She fills out this notice, attaches photos, and sends it by email and certified mail to her landlord.
Repair and Deduct Notice (AS 34.03.180(c)):
If the landlord does not repair, tenants can sometimes arrange repairs and deduct the cost from rent, as long as specific steps are followed. The form and instructions are available on the official Alaska Court System landlord-tenant help page.

You can also ask for help from the Alaska Court System’s Self-Help Landlord and Tenant (L/T) Center.

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Legal Help

Use Alaska's District Court: Alaska’s district court is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes, including housing repairs (Alaska Court System L/T Center).
You may also contact the Alaska Division of Consumer Protection for housing complaints.

Tip: Always keep a copy of every notice and communication you send or receive about the mold issue. This is important evidence if you need further help.

Health, Safety, and Emergency Situations

If mold is causing or threatening immediate harm to your health, or if a major water leak is actively worsening the problem:

Call your local public health department for help (see resources below)
Contact emergency services if you experience sudden severe symptoms
Continue to notify your landlord in writing about the urgency

If you feel your home is not legally habitable due to mold and the landlord won’t act, you may be able to apply to the court to break your lease—but always seek legal advice first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if I find mold in my Alaska rental?
Immediately document the mold with pictures, notify your landlord in writing, and request prompt repairs.
Can I withhold rent until mold is fixed?
No, Alaska law does not allow you to stop paying rent without following the "repair and deduct" process. Always follow legal steps and give proper notice.
What if the mold makes me sick and my landlord won’t help?
If the mold is a health hazard, contact the local health department, seek medical help, and consider reaching out to the Alaska Court System for guidance.
How can I get official proof of the mold problem?
You can request a property inspection from local code enforcement (if available) or provide photographic and medical evidence to the court if filing a claim.
Where can I find Alaska’s tenant repair forms?
State landlord-tenant forms are available on the official Alaska Court System Forms page.

Key Takeaways for Alaska Renters Dealing with Mold

Landlords are legally required to keep rentals habitable and safe; this includes fixing significant mold problems.
Written notice is always required before repairs or legal action—use official forms whenever possible.
For unresolved issues, Alaska’s district court is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes.

Act quickly, keep records, and use government resources if you need help with mold in your Alaska rental.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Alaska Court System: Landlord and Tenant Help – Guidance, forms, and legal steps for repair problems.
Alaska Division of Consumer Protection – For landlord complaint assistance.
Alaska Legal Services Corporation – Free legal help for eligible renters.
U.S. EPA: Mold and Renter Disputes