Landlord Toolkit

Renting your property to tenants comes with many responsibilities. This toolkit includes both AHFC-specific and outside resources that may be useful for landlords managing properties in the private sector market. AHFC does not endorse any product, company or association listed. For our valued partners that accept Housing Choice Vouchers, please also visit this page for program specific information and resources.

Stay Connected

  • Get to know the The Landlord's Almanac. The Alaska chapter is a place for landlords to learn from other landlords.
  • Tell us how Alaska Housing can provide information in this toolkit that matters to you. If you don't see what you're looking for, complete this resource request form.
  • Sign up for Landlines, AHFC's e-newsletter specifically for landlords.

Learn About the Benefits of Housing Choice Vouchers

The federal government provides funding for low-income renters to obtain housing in the private sector. In Alaska, AHFC administers the program. If you are an Alaska landlord looking for reliable income from your rental properties, we encourage you to learn more about Housing Choice Vouchers. Find out how you can help Alaskans access safe, affordable, quality housing while receiving timely and dependable payments from AHFC. Learn more about the simple steps it takes to become a participating landlord.

Landlord Appreciation

To thank landlords participating in housing voucher programs, AHFC is issuing $1,000 for every new or renewed long term lease (12 months or more). The lease or renewal must have an effective date of Jan. 1, 2024 or later to qualify. 

Landlord Appreciation Program Agreement

RentCafè Portal for Landlords

Alaska Housing is pleased to provide voucher landlords with a convenient way to keep track of their housing information online. The RentCafè portal allows landlords to access housing Assistance Payment ledgers, inspection records, rent change letters, and you can upload notices issued to your tenants directly to AHFC through the portal.

It's fast and easy to register for an account. 

Landlord RentCafè User Guide

HUD Transitions from Housing Quality Standards to NSPIRE Standards

Effective October 1, 2024, all rental units assisted with voucher funding will be inspected using National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) Standards. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has made this transition to prioritize health, safety, and functionality over appearance. Learn more about this change in the document linked below. 

HQS to NSPIRE

First Time Landlord? Get The Basics

Being a landlord includes many tasks on any given day and being organized will help you efficiently manage your real estate investment. It can be helpful to create checklists, gather all required forms, and be prepared for any needed repairs before listing your properties for rent. 

List Your Properties Online

The Alaska Housing Locator is an online searchable property database provided by AHFC. Create an account and begin adding properties. 

Working With First Time Renters

Landlords can be a tremendous resource for first-time renters. Here are some tips from rental experts that can help make the transition as seamless as possible for landlords and tenants. 

Make Your Property More Energy Efficient

Making improvements to boost your property's energy efficiency saves you and your tenants money. AHFC has several programs and other resources that can assist — learn more below!

  • AHFC Rural Non-Owner-Occupied Loan: Borrowers may be Alaska residents, businesses, local government entities or regional education attendance areas. Properties must be located in small communities and are limited to duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes. Commercial use is not allowed.
  • AHFC Resource Information Center (RIC) Library: The RIC has information on remodeling, energy efficiency, the environment, sustainability, building components, renewables, building codes, commercial building, building monitoring, Alaska Statutes and much more.
  • AHFC Building Monitoring System (BMON): To address energy efficiencies especially critical in Alaska’s harsh environments, AHFC developed a free open source building monitoring system that measures real-time energy use and provides a complete summary of operating performance. If you manage multi-family housing, BMON can help.

Learn more about energy efficiency.

Understand Your Legal Rights & Requirements

There are many federal and state housing laws that protect you as a landlord and property owner. For more information about your rights, to get legal advice about eviction, and to understand your responsibilities as a landlord, please refer to the legal resources below.

  • Fair Housing Act: The 1968 Act expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and family status. Housing discrimination is illegal in nearly all housing, including private housing, public housing, and housing that receives federal funding. 
  • Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Need help with a tenant matter? Review your rights under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This Alaska law addresses specific landlord-tenant issues. The State of Alaska law division has published a guide that summarizes landlord and tenant rights and obligations under Alaska law.
  • Alaska Court System – Eviction Guidance: There are many reasons you can evict a tenant, including not paying rent or utilities, violating the rental agreement, purposely damaging the property, or doing certain illegal activities on the property. You can't legally remove a tenant from your rental property without a court order. The State of Alaska Court System details the procedures for evictions from residency.

Additional Legal Resources

Resources for Your Renters

If your tenants are struggling financially, resources may be available through AHFC and partner agencies.

Mortgage Assistance Options

If you own the properties that you manage and are struggling with mortgage payments, contact your mortgage servicer directly to find out what type of loan you have and if you qualify for mortgage relief. Their contact information is usually listed on the mortgage statement you receive each month. If their information is not listed, learn how to find your servicer here.

For the most up-to-date information on homeowner protections, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Help for Homeowners.