Alaska Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
Alaska rules on lockouts, utility shutoffs & retaliation for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: A landlord may not make a tenant leave by changing the locks, taking the tenant's belongings, or taking the home by force without a court hearing; the landlord must go to court (a "forcible entry and detainer" case) to evict. Alaska Dept. of Law, The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: What It Means to You (2024)
The rules in Alaska
| Lockouts and illegal eviction | A landlord may not make a tenant leave by changing the locks, taking the tenant's belongings, or taking the home by force without a court hearing; the landlord must go to court (a "forcible entry and detainer" case) to evict. If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant, the tenant may sue to regain possession or end the rental agreement and, either way, recover up to 1½ times actual damages. Police should refuse to remove a tenant without a court order. Summary from the Alaska Department of Law's 2024 handbook, which says it is not the law itself; check the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) before acting. |
|---|---|
| Landlord shutting off utilities | A landlord may not try to force a tenant out by shutting off utilities. If the landlord willfully cuts services, the tenant may sue to get back into the home or end the rental agreement, and in either case recover up to 1½ times actual damages. A lease clause in which the tenant waives notice and eviction procedures does not make a shutoff lawful. Summary from the Alaska Department of Law's 2024 handbook, which says it is not the law itself; check the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) before acting. |
| Landlord retaliation | A landlord may not raise rent, decrease services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained about the landlord's failure to meet its duties, sought to enforce rights under the Act, organized or joined a tenants' union, or complained to a government agency responsible for housing, wage, price, or rent controls. The tenant may terminate or defend against eviction, and in either case may recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. The Department of Law handbook gives no statutory presumption period. Good-faith exceptions include unpaid rent, code-required repairs that need the unit vacant, illegal activity, owner use, substantial remodeling, or sale. Source: AS 34.03.310; AS 34.03.210 |
Related questions
Alaska vs. neighboring states
| State | Lockouts and illegal eviction | Landlord shutting off utilities | Landlord retaliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | A landlord may not make a tenant leave by changing the locks, taking the tenant's belongings, or taking the home by force without a court hearing; the landlord must go to court (a "forcible entry and detainer" case) to evict. If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant, the tenant may sue to regain possession or end the rental agreement and, either way, recover up to 1½ times actual damages. Police should refuse to remove a tenant without a court order. Alaska Dept. of Law, The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: What It Means to You (2024) | A landlord may not try to force a tenant out by shutting off utilities. If the landlord willfully cuts services, the tenant may sue to get back into the home or end the rental agreement, and in either case recover up to 1½ times actual damages. A lease clause in which the tenant waives notice and eviction procedures does not make a shutoff lawful. Alaska Dept. of Law, The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: What It Means to You (2024) | A landlord may not raise rent, decrease services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained about the landlord's failure to meet its duties, sought to enforce rights under the Act, organized or joined a tenants' union, or complained to a government agency responsible for housing, wage, price, or rent controls. The tenant may terminate or defend against eviction, and in either case may recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. AS 34.03.310; AS 34.03.210 |
| Washington | It is unlawful for a landlord to remove or shut out a tenant without a court order. A tenant removed or excluded this way may get back possession or end the rental agreement, and in either case recover actual damages. The winning side may recover costs and reasonable attorney's fees. RCW 59.18.290(1) | No. It is unlawful for a landlord to intentionally cause any of the tenant's utility services, including water, heat, electricity or gas, to be shut off, except for a reasonable interruption to make necessary repairs. A landlord who violates this may owe the tenant actual damages plus up to $100 for each day or part of a day without service, and the winning side may recover costs and reasonable attorney's fees. RCW 59.18.300 | Landlord may not evict, raise rent, reduce services or increase obligations (or threaten to) in retaliation for good-faith complaints to a government authority about code violations or for asserting rights under RCW 59.18. Action within 90 days after the protected act (or a resulting inspection/proceeding) is presumed retaliatory. RCW 59.18.240; RCW 59.18.250 |
City rules that may add to state law
More Alaska rental law
- Alaska Security Deposit Law
- Alaska Eviction Laws
- 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 Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All Alaska landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in Alaska
Compare lockouts, utility shutoffs & retaliation in all 50 states and DC →
Alaska Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation FAQ
Can a landlord change the locks without a court order in Alaska?
A landlord may not make a tenant leave by changing the locks, taking the tenant's belongings, or taking the home by force without a court hearing; the landlord must go to court (a "forcible entry and detainer" case) to evict. If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant, the tenant may sue to regain possession or end the rental agreement and, either way, recover up to 1½ times actual damages. Police should refuse to remove a tenant without a court order. (Alaska Dept. of Law, The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: What It Means to You (2024))
Can a landlord shut off utilities in Alaska?
A landlord may not try to force a tenant out by shutting off utilities. If the landlord willfully cuts services, the tenant may sue to get back into the home or end the rental agreement, and in either case recover up to 1½ times actual damages. A lease clause in which the tenant waives notice and eviction procedures does not make a shutoff lawful. (Alaska Dept. of Law, The Alaska Landlord & Tenant Act: What It Means to You (2024))
Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining in Alaska?
A landlord may not raise rent, decrease services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained about the landlord's failure to meet its duties, sought to enforce rights under the Act, organized or joined a tenants' union, or complained to a government agency responsible for housing, wage, price, or rent controls. The tenant may terminate or defend against eviction, and in either case may recover up to 1.5 times actual damages. (AS 34.03.310; AS 34.03.210)
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.