Alaska eviction rules for tenants

If you get an eviction notice

1. Read it closely: the kind of notice, the amount, the dates and how it was delivered. Use the timeline below.
2. Don't move out or stop paying because of a notice alone. Only a court can order an eviction; the notice is the first step.
3. Get free legal help now. Legal aid and the court's self-help center can check whether the notice is valid.
4. If you are served with court papers, respond by the deadline and go to every hearing. Missing one can mean losing by default.
5. Keep copies of the notice, your lease, rent receipts, texts and photos.

Eviction in Alaska

Notice for unpaid rent

7-day written notice to pay or leave, stating the correct amount of rent owed. If you pay the rent within 7 full days, you can stay (unpaid late fees alone are not a reason to evict). Some federally subsidized or federally backed properties require 30 days.

Notice for a lease violation

10-day written notice for a serious breach of the lease or tenant duties that endangers health and safety. If you fix it within 10 days you can stay. If the same violation happens again within 6 months, the landlord can use a 5-day notice with no right to fix. Other no-cure notices: 24 hours to 5 days for intentional damage over $400; 5 days for illegal activity on the premises; 5 days if utilities are cut off for your nonpayment (you can stay if you restore service within 3 days). AS 34.03.220.

Ending a month-to-month tenancy

Landlord or tenant: written notice at least 30 days before the rent due date that ends the tenancy. Week-to-week: at least 14 days. The landlord's notice must say the landlord may sue to evict if you stay. AS 34.03.290.

Time to respond to an eviction lawsuit

You have 20 days to file a written answer, but the possession hearing is held within 15 days after filing (you must be served at least 2 days before it) and usually happens before the answer is due. Go to the hearing.

Lockouts and utility shutoffs

Yes. The landlord may not shut off utilities, change the locks, take your belongings, or take the unit by force without a court order, even if the lease says otherwise. You can sue to get back in or end the lease, and recover up to 1.5 times your actual damages. AS 34.03.210.

Court self-help

The court's eviction self-help page

Law

AS 09.45.105, AS 34.03.210, 34.03.220, 34.03.290

Eviction notice timeline for Alaska

Got a notice from your landlord? Enter the kind of notice and the day you got it to see the dates that follow from your state's rule, what your landlord may not do, and where to get free help fast.

Where to get free help in Alaska

• Alaska Department of Law: The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act, What It Means to You (2024)
• Alaska Court System Self-Help Center
• Alaska Court System eviction diversion program · 907-264-0883
• Alaska Legal Services Corporation

Retaliation in Alaska

The landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, or start or threaten eviction because you complained about the landlord's failures, enforced your rights under the Act, joined a tenants' union, or complained to a government agency. You can end the tenancy or defend against eviction, and recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. The statute sets no presumption period. Exceptions include rent arrears, needed code repairs, and owner use. AS 34.03.310.

Rent increases and rent control in Alaska

Notice of a rent increase

At least 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect in a month-to-month tenancy. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it (Department of Law handbook).

Rent control

No statewide rent cap or rent control.

Questions about eviction in Alaska

More for Alaska renters

• All Alaska tenant rights
• Security deposit: Alaska
• Repairs: Alaska
• Eviction notice periods by state
• Guide: what to do if you get an eviction notice

Eviction in nearby states