Alaska Eviction Laws
Alaska rules on eviction for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: 7-day written notice to quit. The notice must state the correct total rent due, offer the choice to pay or move, and warn that an eviction suit may follow. Paying the rent within the 7 days cures it. AS 09.45.090; AS 09.45.105; AS 34.03.220(b)
The rules in Alaska
| Notice for unpaid rent | 7-day written notice to quit. The notice must state the correct total rent due, offer the choice to pay or move, and warn that an eviction suit may follow. Paying the rent within the 7 days cures it. A tenant cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees alone. A notice sent by registered or certified mail adds 3 days (AS 09.45.090(c)). Federally subsidized or federally backed properties may require a 30-day notice under federal law. |
|---|---|
| Notice for lease violations | 10-day written notice for a breach of the rental agreement or of the tenant's statutory duties that endangers others' health and safety. The tenancy continues if the tenant corrects the problem within the notice period. A substantially similar repeat breach within 6 months allows a 5-day notice with no right to cure. Intentional damage over $400 allows a notice of 24 hours to 5 days. Illegal activity on the premises allows a 5-day notice. Utility shutoff for the tenant's nonpayment allows a 5-day notice, curable within 3 days. |
| Lockouts & utility shutoffs | Self-help eviction is prohibited: no shutting off utilities, changing locks, taking belongings, or retaking the unit without a court hearing, even if the lease says otherwise. If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant or willfully cuts services, the tenant may recover possession or terminate, and in either case may recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. Police should not remove a tenant on a criminal-trespass theory without a court order (AS 11.56.850). Source: AS 34.03.210; AS 34.03.040(a)(1) |
How an eviction case works in Alaska
Eviction cases are heard in: Alaska District Court in the judicial district where the property is located (Superior Court if past-due rent and damages exceed $100,000).
- Landlord serves a written Notice to Quit in person, by posting if the tenant is absent or refuses delivery, or by registered/certified mail (mail adds 3 days)
- If the tenant does not cure or move, landlord files a Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) with an Information Sheet and Summons
- Tenant is served with the summons and complaint at least 2 days before the eviction hearing
- Eviction (possession) hearing within 15 days after filing; the judge decides possession and, if the landlord wins, sets a move-out date
- Optional free mediation through the court's Eviction Diversion Program before or after filing
- If the tenant does not leave, the court issues a Writ of Assistance, enforced by a peace officer
- Separate damages trial if the tenant files an answer contesting money claims; otherwise default judgment on damages
Landlords: how to evict a tenant in Alaska — steps, costs, timeline and forms.
Eviction court and fees by county
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- Notice Deadline Calculator — Enter the date a notice was delivered and see the date it runs out under your state's law.
Templates
Related questions
- Can a landlord evict you without going to court, change the locks or shut off utilities?
- How long does an eviction take?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before an eviction?
Alaska vs. neighboring states
| State | Notice for unpaid rent | Notice for lease violations | Lockouts & utility shutoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 7-day written notice to quit. The notice must state the correct total rent due, offer the choice to pay or move, and warn that an eviction suit may follow. Paying the rent within the 7 days cures it. A tenant cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees alone. AS 09.45.090; AS 09.45.105; AS 34.03.220(b) | 10-day written notice for a breach of the rental agreement or of the tenant's statutory duties that endangers others' health and safety. The tenancy continues if the tenant corrects the problem within the notice period. A substantially similar repeat breach within 6 months allows a 5-day notice with no right to cure. Intentional damage over $400 allows a notice of 24 hours to 5 days. Illegal activity on the premises allows a 5-day notice. Utility shutoff for the tenant's nonpayment allows a 5-day notice, curable within 3 days. AS 34.03.220(a), (e); AS 09.45.090(a)(2)(G) | Self-help eviction is prohibited: no shutting off utilities, changing locks, taking belongings, or retaking the unit without a court hearing, even if the lease says otherwise. If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant or willfully cuts services, the tenant may recover possession or terminate, and in either case may recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. AS 34.03.210; AS 34.03.040(a)(1) |
| Washington | 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate, in the statutory form. RCW 59.12.030(3); RCW 59.18.057 | 10-day notice to comply or vacate. RCW 59.12.030(4); RCW 59.18.650(2)(b) | Landlord may not remove or exclude a tenant except under a court order; tenant may recover possession or terminate, plus actual damages, costs and attorney's fees. Intentionally terminating a tenant's utility services is unlawful: actual damages plus up to $100 for each day or part of a day without service, plus costs and fees. RCW 59.18.290; RCW 59.18.300 |
City rules that may add to state law
More Alaska rental law
- Alaska Security Deposit Law
- Alaska Notice to Vacate Rules
- Landlord Entry Rules in Alaska
- Alaska Repairs & Tenant Remedies
- Alaska Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
- Breaking a Lease in Alaska
- Squatters' Rights in Alaska
- Alaska Rental Fee Rules
- Alaska Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- Alaska Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- Alaska Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- Alaska Landlord Selling the House
- Alaska Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
- Alaska Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All Alaska landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in Alaska
Compare eviction in all 50 states and DC →
Alaska Eviction Laws FAQ
How much notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Alaska?
7-day written notice to quit. The notice must state the correct total rent due, offer the choice to pay or move, and warn that an eviction suit may follow. Paying the rent within the 7 days cures it. A tenant cannot be evicted for unpaid late fees alone. (AS 09.45.090; AS 09.45.105; AS 34.03.220(b))
How much notice is required to evict for a lease violation in Alaska?
10-day written notice for a breach of the rental agreement or of the tenant's statutory duties that endangers others' health and safety. The tenancy continues if the tenant corrects the problem within the notice period. A substantially similar repeat breach within 6 months allows a 5-day notice with no right to cure. Intentional damage over $400 allows a notice of 24 hours to 5 days. Illegal activity on the premises allows a 5-day notice. Utility shutoff for the tenant's nonpayment allows a 5-day notice, curable within 3 days. (AS 34.03.220(a), (e); AS 09.45.090(a)(2)(G))
Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Alaska?
Self-help eviction is prohibited: no shutting off utilities, changing locks, taking belongings, or retaking the unit without a court hearing, even if the lease says otherwise. If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant or willfully cuts services, the tenant may recover possession or terminate, and in either case may recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. (AS 34.03.210; AS 34.03.040(a)(1))
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.