Who Handles Internet Service in Alaska Apartment Rentals?

If you rent an apartment in Alaska, internet access may be an essential part of daily life, from work to education and entertainment. Knowing whether you or your landlord is responsible for internet service—and what happens if there are problems—is important for peace of mind and can help prevent disputes.

Internet Service Responsibilities: Landlord vs. Tenant

In Alaska, whether internet is included with your apartment or left to you to arrange depends on your rental agreement. Unlike heat or water, internet is not typically considered an essential utility under Alaska landlord-tenant law. Here’s what you need to know:

• If your lease states that internet is included: The landlord is responsible for maintaining service and handling billing.
  For example, if your lease says, "Landlord provides internet as part of the rent," then your landlord must ensure service is available.
• If your lease is silent on internet: The tenant typically must set up and pay for their own internet. This is the most common situation.
• If the building advertises “internet ready”: This usually means the infrastructure exists, but not that the landlord pays for ongoing service.

Always check your lease or ask the landlord before signing if internet access is important to you or your work situation.

Resolving Internet or Billing Problems

If your lease promises internet but service is unavailable, it may be considered a failure to provide a contracted service. In Alaska, steps you can take include:

• Notify your landlord in writing (email or letter) of the problem and request a fix within a reasonable time.
• Keep copies of all correspondence and bills.
• If the landlord does not respond or fix the issue, you may be entitled to remedies under the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1]

Official Form: Notice to Landlord of Failure to Provide Utility or Service

Form: No standard Alaska statewide form. However, renters can use a written notice based on the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, citing the relevant section (AS 34.03.180).^[2]

• When to use: If the landlord promised internet service in your lease but fails to provide it, send a written notice referring to AS 34.03.180.
• How to use: Clearly state the date, the issue, and request restoration of service or a rent reduction if the service is not restored.
• Where to find sample text: See the official Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act Booklet for sample letters.

This approach documents your issue and may be required before you can take further action.

Alaska’s Tribunal for Rental Disputes

If a landlord refuses to resolve contracted utilities or service issues, renters can file a claim in the local district court—the Alaska Court System (residential landlord-tenant matters). For many disputes, you may need to complete a Small Claims Complaint Form (CIV-480).

• Form CIV-480: Small Claims Complaint
• When/How to use: If you seek damages (such as reimbursement for paid internet that was not provided), complete and file CIV-480 at your local court. Attach evidence like a copy of your lease and correspondences.
• Download: Alaska Small Claims Complaint (CIV-480)
• More info at the Alaska Court System – Landlord and Tenant Information

What Alaska Law Says About Utility Responsibilities

The Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act defines landlord and tenant duties for "essential services"—usually heat, water, and electricity. Internet is not named as an essential service by default, but it becomes part of the rental contract if your lease promises it.^[3] If you agreed to pay for internet yourself, you usually cannot force the landlord to provide or fix service unless the lease says otherwise.

Summary of Key Lease and Law Points

• Check your written lease for internet clauses.
• If the landlord provides internet, they must maintain service.
• If the landlord does not include it, setting up and paying for internet is up to you.
• Document any disputes and communicate clearly and in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my Alaska landlord have to provide internet?
   Not unless your lease specifically says so. Internet is not an "essential service" under Alaska law, but if promised in writing, your landlord must provide it.
2. What should I do if the internet included in my lease is not working?
   Notify your landlord in writing and give them reasonable time to restore service. If they don’t, you may request a rent reduction or pursue a claim in small claims court.
3. Can a landlord charge me extra for internet after I’ve signed a lease?
   Generally, no. Rental charges should not change during a lease term unless allowed by the lease or agreed upon by both parties in writing.
4. Who handles disputes about utility or service charges in Alaska?
   The Alaska Court System (local district court) handles rental and service disputes. Use the small claims complaint process when requesting monetary compensation.
5. What should I include on a written notice about internet problems?
   List the date, your address, the issue, what your lease says, your requested solution (restoration or rent reduction), and allow your landlord a reasonable time to respond.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alaska Department of Law: Landlord & Tenant Rights
• Alaska Court System – Landlord & Tenant Help
• Alaska Legal Services Corporation (free legal help for tenants)
• Download official forms and find more guidance in the Alaska Landlord Tenant Act Booklet

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1. Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03)
2. Alaska Landlord Tenant Act Booklet
3. AS 34.03.180 – Landlord’s failure to supply essential services

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