Updated on

How To Sublet Legally In Alaska


The Bottom Line: Landlords in Alaska cannot unreasonably refuse your request to sublet. If they refuse to approve your request without a legally justifiable reason then you can go ahead with the sublease or move out.

1. Screen your subtenant

The key to getting permission from your landlord is suggesting a subtenant who is as qualified as you are. This means that they pass the same requirements you had to meet. Cast a wide net to find your replacement, but remember to check their income and credit score before you select them. This will put you in the strongest position as you follow the below steps.

2. Send a letter

The prospective subtenant must make a signed written offer to the landlord containing the following information:

  • name, age, and present address
  • occupation, present employment, and name and address of employer
  • how many people will live in the apartment
  • two credit references
  • the names and addresses of all the applicant’s landlords for the past three years

3. Await approval

After receiving the application information, the landlord has 14 days to answer the request. If he does not respond in 14 days, then his or her silence is assumed consent and you can go ahead and sublet!

If the landlord rejects your request, know that he can only refuse a proposed subtenant for legitimate and very specific reasons. In other words, he can not unreasonably prevent a sublet and must provide a written basis for the decision.

Legal grounds for refusal are:

  • insufficient credit standing or financial responsibility
  • too many people for the residence
  • unwillingness of the new tenant to accept the terms of the rental agreement
  • the tenant’s pets are not acceptable
  • a bad report from a former landlord of the prospective tenant
  • the tenant’s proposed commercial activity

If the landlord refuses a prospective subtenant without citing any of the above reasons then you can go ahead with the sublease or move out.

4. Collect and store a security deposit

To protect yourself against damages to the apartment or any belongings that you leave in the space, you should take a security deposit from your subtenant.

Follow Alaska laws for accepting and holding security deposits as best you can. The most important thing to do is agree on the state of the apartment with your subtenant so that you don't get charged for damages caused by them.

5. Stay Responsible

Move out! But remember that just because you aren’t living in the place any more doesn’t mean that you aren’t held accountable to the terms of your lease. It is still up to you to make sure that the rent is paid on time and that none of the lease terms are broken. In nearly all subletting situations, you will continue to pay rent to your landlord directly and your subtenant will pay rent to you.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.