Alaska Stat. § 18.56. § 18.56.799
Definitions
Operative Text
In AS 18.56.700 — 18.56.799, (1) “office” means the senior housing office established under AS 18.56.700; (2) “senior housing” (A) means construction or improvement undertaken primarily to provide dwelling accommodations for older individuals, including conventional housing, housing for frail elderly, group homes, congregate housing, residential horizontal property regimes organized under AS 34.07, residential cooperatives organized under AS 10.15 or AS 34.08, residential condominiums organized under AS 34.08, and other housing that meets special needs of the elderly; (B) includes acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of land, buildings, improvements, and other nonhousing facilities that are incidental or appurtenant to the housing described in (A) of this paragraph.
Alaska Statute AS 18.56 § 18.56.799 establishes the definitions that govern the entire AS 18.56.700–18.56.799 statutory range, which covers the state's senior housing programs. The term 'office' refers specifically to the senior housing office created under AS 18.56.700, while 'senior housing' is defined broadly to encompass a wide variety of dwelling types—from conventional homes and group homes to condominiums, cooperatives, and congregate housing—so long as they are built or improved primarily to serve older individuals. The definition also extends to land, buildings, and non-housing facilities that are incidental or connected to those primary residential uses.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and developers working within Alaska's senior housing programs under AS 18.56 § 18.56.799 should be aware that the definition of 'senior housing' is intentionally broad, covering not only conventional apartments but also cooperatives, condominiums organized under AS 34.08, and congregate or group home arrangements. Operators who seek financing, approval, or other program benefits through the senior housing office generally ensure that their projects are structured primarily to serve older individuals, as that primary-purpose requirement is central to the statutory definition. Facilities and land improvements that are incidental to the residential use—such as common areas or support structures—can also fall within the definition, which may affect how a project is categorized for program eligibility.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Older Alaskans and their advocates can look to AS 18.56 § 18.56.799 to understand what types of housing qualify under the state's senior housing framework, which includes not just traditional apartments but also group homes, congregate housing, and residential cooperatives or condominiums. Because the definition shapes which projects and properties are eligible for state senior housing programs administered through the office established under AS 18.56.700, it can be relevant when evaluating whether a particular residence or development is subject to those program rules and protections. Tenants who believe a housing arrangement should qualify—or does not qualify—under this definition may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Alaska housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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