Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I am over 62?

No. Unless the housing is specifically age-restricted by law or funding, landlords in Alaska cannot refuse tenants simply based on age.

What do I do if my landlord won't fix safety issues in my apartment?

Send a written request for repairs. If your landlord won't respond or repair, contact local code enforcement or seek legal aid.

How do I ask for a reasonable accommodation for a disability?

Use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form from AHFC, fill it out, and submit it to your landlord. Document your request in writing for your records.

If I receive an eviction notice, can I fight it?

Yes. You can file an Answer/Counterclaim (CIV-725) with the Alaska District Court and explain your circumstances. Getting legal advice is strongly recommended.

Who handles housing discrimination complaints for seniors in Alaska?

The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights investigates housing discrimination complaints. Submit the official complaint form for their review.

Alaska Senior Housing Rights: Protections for Older Renters

Special Housing Types & Situations Alaska published June 21, 2025

Older adults renting in Alaska have special protections and rights under state and federal law. Whether you live in age-restricted housing, low-income senior apartments, or standard rentals, knowing your legal protections can help you feel safe and supported. This guide covers the key rules, how the law applies, and where to get help if you’re a senior renter in Alaska.

What is Senior Housing in Alaska?

Senior housing usually refers to communities, apartment buildings, or units where residents must meet a minimum age—often 55 or 62 and older. These can include independent living communities, subsidized senior apartments, and some low-income housing funded by the government. Alaska’s rental laws apply to all rental housing, but federal and state rules also provide extra protections for seniors in these settings.

Key Rights for Senior Renters in Alaska

Fair Housing Laws: Federal and state laws protect seniors from discrimination because of age, disability, or familial status. The federal Fair Housing Act and Alaska’s Human Rights Law both apply.
Reasonable Accommodations: Seniors with disabilities can ask landlords for changes to rules or physical modifications to help them live safely (for example, a ramp or grab bars).
Protection from Sudden Eviction: Alaska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets rules for notices, reasons for eviction, and timelines that landlords must follow.
Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords must keep senior housing safe and habitable, just like any other rental. Seniors can request repairs if utilities, heat, appliances, or safety features fail.

These laws give senior renters important tools to challenge unfair treatment or make their homes safer and more accessible.

Can Senior Housing Refuse Tenants Based on Age?

Some senior housing is legally allowed to require residents to be a minimum age—usually 55+ or 62+. This exception is covered under federal law, but age restrictions must be clear in community rules. Housing that receives federal funding (like Section 202 or HUD-subsidized apartments) may also have income limits and application processes specifically for seniors. For other rentals, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate by age without legal grounds.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations

If you have a disability and need a change to the building or to rental policies (such as installing grab bars, allowing a service animal, or changing payment deadlines), you can request a 'reasonable accommodation.' Landlords must respond promptly and cannot unfairly deny these requests.

You should put your request in writing. Use the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form provided by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC):

Request for Reasonable Accommodation (AHFC 05-0175)
When and How Used: Submit this form when asking for a change due to a disability or health need. Example: A senior requests a grab bar installation in the shower for mobility reasons. Deliver the completed form to your landlord or property manager.

If your landlord does not respond to your request or rejects it without good reason, you can file a complaint with the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights or the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Protection from Retaliation and Eviction

It is against Alaska law for a landlord to evict, threaten, or raise rent simply because a renter has asked for repairs, accommodations, or reported a problem. If you believe you are being unfairly evicted or retaliated against, you can file a complaint or defend yourself in eviction court.

How to Respond if You Receive an Eviction Notice

If you receive a notice to leave, read it carefully. Alaska law requires landlords to give proper written notice and fill out required paperwork. Standard notice periods are:

7 days for non-payment of rent
10 days for lease violations (other than non-payment)
30 days for ending a month-to-month lease (no cause)

You can respond in writing, fix the problem (if possible), and consult with Alaska Legal Services if you need advice. If the situation goes to court, it will typically be heard in the Alaska District Court.

Key Forms for Senior Renters

Answer/Counterclaim – Forcible Entry and Detainer (CIV-725)
This form is used when you want to respond to an eviction notice in court. For example, if you've received a 'Forcible Entry and Detainer' (eviction) summons, fill out this form and file it at the courthouse to explain your side.
Complaint – Housing Discrimination (CIV-610)
Submit this form to the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights if you believe you've faced discrimination as a senior renter (for example, denied reasonable accommodation or singled out by age).

The Official Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes

Most eviction and landlord-tenant claims in Alaska are handled by the Alaska District Court. Discrimination issues may also be addressed by the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights.

FAQ: Alaska Senior Housing Protections

Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I am over 62?
No. Unless the housing is specifically age-restricted by law or funding, landlords in Alaska cannot refuse tenants simply based on age.
What do I do if my landlord won't fix safety issues in my apartment?
Send a written request for repairs. If your landlord won't respond or repair, contact local code enforcement or seek help from legal aid.
How do I ask for a reasonable accommodation for a disability?
Use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form from AHFC, fill it out, and submit it to your landlord. Document your request in writing for your records.
If I receive an eviction notice, can I fight it?
Yes. You can file an Answer/Counterclaim (CIV-725) with the Alaska District Court and explain your circumstances. Getting legal advice is strongly recommended.
Who handles housing discrimination complaints for seniors in Alaska?
The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights investigates housing discrimination complaints. Submit the official complaint form for their review.

Key Takeaways for Senior Renters

You have strong protections under Alaska’s rental laws and fair housing rules.
Use official forms and respond in writing to protect your rights.
State agencies and resources are available to help if you face discrimination or eviction.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Alaska State Commission for Human Rights – Report discrimination or file a housing complaint
Alaska Courts – Answer/Counterclaim Form
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) – Senior housing applications & reasonable accommodation forms
Alaska Legal Services – Free legal help for low-income and senior renters
HUD Alaska – Federal senior housing and renters’ resources