Landlords must follow clear legal steps when removing a tenant from a rental property. As such, understanding the eviction process and the relevant laws helps Alaska property owners act confidently and remain compliant with state requirements.
This guide walks through every stage of the process, including valid reasons for eviction, notice requirements, court procedures, and typical timelines. All information in this guide reflects Alaska’s current landlord-tenant laws.
How Alaska Law Defines Eviction
In Alaska, eviction is the legal process by which a landlord can remove a tenant from a rental property. Landlords must follow strict notice, filing, and court procedures to ensure the removal is valid under state law.
These rules exist to protect both property owners and tenants throughout the process. Eviction regulations appear in Alaska Statutes Title 09, Chapter 45 (Forcible Entry and Detainer), and Title 34, Chapter 03 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act), which detail the legal requirements for possession of property.
Eviction With Just Cause
In Alaska, “just cause” means a landlord has a lawful and specific reason to end a tenancy, such as unpaid rent, repeated lease violations, or significant damage to the rental property.
Landlords in Alaska can proceed with eviction for just cause when tenants fail to meet their lease obligations. Before filing with the court, landlords must issue the proper written notice and follow each legal step outlined in state law.
Keeping detailed records of every missed payment, violation, or notice helps landlords support their case if challenged in court. These rules also protect tenants by ensuring that evictions occur only for legitimate, documented reasons.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.290
No-Fault Evictions
In Alaska, landlords cannot remove tenants from a fixed-term lease before it expires unless they have legitimate just cause. When the lease naturally reaches its end date, landlords may choose not to renew it without providing a specific reason.
For month-to-month rentals, landlords can end the tenancy without cause by delivering at least 30 days’ written notice before the next rental period begins. Providing the correct notice on time ensures the process follows state law and prevents unnecessary disputes.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.290, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.310
Grounds for Eviction in Alaska
Landlords in Alaska can remove tenants for several lawful reasons, including but not limited to:
Non-Payment of Rent
In Alaska, rent becomes late the day after it is due unless the lease includes a specific grace period. State law does not require landlords to provide any grace period, so payment deadlines depend entirely on the terms of the rental agreement.
When a tenant misses a payment, the landlord may serve a 7-Day Notice to Quit. This notice gives the tenant 7 days to pay the full balance or vacate the property. By keeping accurate payment records and written communications, landlords protect themselves and ensure the process complies with Alaska’s legal requirements.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220
Lease Violations
A lease agreement sets the rules that shape the landlord-tenant relationship. When a tenant breaks those rules, landlords in Alaska gain the legal right to start the eviction process.
Common examples of lease violations include:
- Keeping an unauthorized pet in a no-pet rental unit.
- Subletting the property to another person without written permission.
- Repainting the walls or making significant alterations without approval.
Each of these actions breaches the lease and can lead to eviction if the tenant refuses to fix the problem after receiving proper notice. Since lease agreements protect both parties, landlords and tenants should always review and understand their terms clearly before signing.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.120, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220
Illegal Use of the Premises
In Alaska, landlords have the right to evict tenants who use the property for illegal purposes. Whether a tenant operates an unlicensed marijuana grow, sells drugs from the unit, or tampers with the property’s electrical system, each act gives the landlord legal grounds to end the tenancy.
Landlords should document every incident, notify law enforcement when appropriate, and follow the proper eviction procedures to ensure full compliance with Alaska law. Acting quickly protects both the property and the community.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.310, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220
Tenant Actions that Threaten Health or Safety
In Alaska, landlords can evict tenants who create unsafe or unsanitary conditions that endanger others or damage the rental property. State law allows landlords to act when a tenant’s behavior violates health and safety standards outlined in Alaska’s residential housing statutes.
Common examples of health and safety violations in Alaska include:
- Allowing garbage or food waste to build up and attract rodents or insects.
- Blocking exits or disabling smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Storing flammable or hazardous materials inside the unit.
Landlords should document the issue, provide written notice describing the violation, and give the tenant a chance to correct it. If the tenant fails to do so, the landlord can proceed with eviction. For additional guidance, see our guide to warranty of habitability in Alaska.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.120, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220
Destruction or Neglect of the Rental Unit
In Alaska, landlords can evict tenants who cause serious property damage or neglect basic upkeep. State law requires tenants to keep their rental units clean, safe, and in good condition, aside from normal wear and tear.
Landlords should collect detailed evidence of any damage, including dated photos, inspection notes, and repair invoices. Keeping a clear record of these issues helps prove the tenant’s responsibility if the case proceeds to court.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.120, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220
Tenant is in a Month-to-Month Rental Contract
In Alaska, landlords can end a month-to-month rental agreement without giving a reason. To do so, the landlord must provide the tenant with 30 days’ written notice before the next rent due date using a proper Notice to Quit form.
If the tenant stays past the notice deadline, the landlord can file an eviction case in court to regain possession of the property. Following the correct notice period ensures the process complies with state law and avoids unnecessary delays.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.290, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.310
Step-by-Step Eviction Process in Alaska
Landlords in Alaska must follow a strict legal process when removing a tenant from a rental property. Every step requires the correct notice, proper filing, and court approval before regaining possession.
Here are the steps landlords must take:
1. Deliver Notice to the Tenant
The first step in Alaska’s eviction process requires the landlord to identify the reason for eviction and deliver the appropriate notice. The type of notice depends on the situation, such as unpaid rent, egregious property damage, or other lease violations. If the issue is considered curable, the landlord must give the tenant the required time to correct it before proceeding.
When the violation is serious or non-curable, such as illegal activity or repeated offenses, the landlord can end the tenancy without giving the tenant a chance to remedy the problem. Alaska law allows landlords to serve notices in person or by registered or Certified Mail, and keeping written proof of delivery helps protect the landlord’s case in court.
Notice Forms & Timelines
- 7-Day Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of Rent: Gives the tenant 7 days to pay rent or vacate the property.
- 10-Day Notice to Quit for Lease Violation: Gives the tenant 10 days to fix a curable violation or move out.
- 24-Hour Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity: Allows immediate termination when a tenant commits illegal acts on the property.
- 30-Day Notice to Quit for Month-to-Month Tenancy: Used to end a month-to-month lease without cause.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 34.03.220, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.290
2. File an Eviction Lawsuit Against the Tenant
After the notice period ends or the tenant fails to correct a curable violation, the landlord will take the next step by filing a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) complaint with the Alaska District Court. This filing officially starts the legal eviction process and asks the court to return possession of the property to the landlord.
The landlord will pay a filing fee, which usually ranges from $100 to $150, depending on the district. Once the paperwork is filed, the court clerk will review the documents and schedule a hearing date. The landlord will then receive notice of when to appear in court.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 09.45.060, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.285
3. Serve Court Summons Paperwork to the Tenant
Once the Alaska court clerk sets a hearing date, the landlord will arrange for a peace officer, process server, or any adult not involved in the case to deliver the court summons and complaint to the tenant. The person serving the papers will complete a Return of Service form to confirm delivery, and the landlord must file that proof with the court before the hearing.
After receiving the summons, the tenant may file an Answer with the court to respond to the landlord’s claims. Both the landlord and tenant must appear in court on the date listed in the summons. If either party fails to appear, the court may issue a default judgment for the other side.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 09.45.290, Alaska R. Civ. P. 4
4. Attend the Eviction Hearing
When the court date arrives, both the landlord and tenant (or their attorneys) will appear before a judge in the Alaska District Court. Each side will present its case, explain its evidence, and answer any questions the judge asks. The landlord will bring the lease agreement, payment records, copies of notices, and any proof of the tenant’s violation.
During the hearing, the judge will review all documents and evidence, such as photographs, inspection notes, and witness statements. The judge will assess the reliability of each piece of evidence and confirm that both parties followed Alaska’s eviction laws before moving toward a final decision.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 09.45.290, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.285
5. Court Reaches a Ruling
After reviewing all evidence and testimony, the judge will reach a verdict based on Alaska’s landlord-tenant laws. In most cases, the court will issue a ruling immediately after the hearing or within a few days, depending on the court’s schedule.
If the judge rules in favor of the tenant, the case will be dismissed, and the tenant will be allowed to remain in the rental property. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, the court will issue a Judgment for Possession, giving the landlord the legal right to regain control of the unit. The tenant may appeal the decision within 30 days of the judgment by filing a notice of appeal with the court.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 09.45.290, Alaska R. App. P. 204
6. Judge Issues a Writ of Assistance
If the judge issues a Judgement for Possession, the landlord can then obtain a Writ of Assistance from the court. This document gives law enforcement the authority to remove the tenant from the property if they fail to leave on their own. It serves as the tenant’s final deadline to vacate before officers step in to return possession of the rental unit to the landlord.
Once the Writ of Assistance is issued, the landlord will wait for law enforcement to schedule the removal. Officers will post or deliver the writ at the property, typically giving the tenant 24 hours to move out. If the tenant remains after that deadline, officers will complete the eviction and restore possession of the property to the landlord.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 09.45.440, Alaska Stat. § 09.45.450
7. Law Enforcement Executes the Writ of Assistance
If the deadline passes and the tenant still refuses to leave the rental property, law enforcement will enforce the Writ of Assistance. In Alaska, the local police department or county sheriff (not the landlord) can carry out the eviction, ensuring the tenant vacates the premises and restoring possession of the property to the landlord.
When tenants leave personal belongings behind, Alaska law requires landlords to store the items for at least 15 days after providing written notice. During this time, tenants can reclaim their property by paying reasonable storage costs. If 15 days pass without a response, the landlord may dispose of the items as they see fit.
Applicable law: Alaska Stat. § 09.45.440, Alaska Stat. § 34.03.260
Tenant Defense Against Eviction in Alaska
Eviction can create lasting consequences for tenants, including difficulty finding new housing, loss of income, and disruption to everyday life. While eviction can be stressful for both parties, Alaska law gives tenants clear rights and options to defend themselves throughout the process.
Tenants who take quick action can often prevent eviction altogether. By communicating early with the landlord, keeping records of rent payments, and addressing problems such as maintenance issues or lease violations right away, tenants can resolve conflicts before they reach court.
When tenants feel overwhelmed or unsure about their rights, they should seek legal help. The Alaska Legal Services Corporation offers free or low-cost assistance to tenants facing eviction, including guidance and representation during eviction proceedings.
Timelines to Expect
In Alaska, an eviction can be completed in as little as 1-2 months, but can take longer depending on the reason for eviction and whether the eviction is contested.
The following are steps of the Alabama eviction that are outside the control of landlords.
| Step | Estimated Time |
| Initial Notice Period | 24 Hours to 30 Calendar Days |
| Court Issuing/Serving Summons | 2 Days Prior to Hearing |
| Tenant Response Period | 20 Calendar Days |
| Court Ruling | Within 15 Calendar Days |
| Court Serving Writ of Possession | Hours to Days |
| Final Notice Period | A few days to a few weeks |
Flowchart of the Alaska Eviction Process
Typical Court Fees
The average cost of an eviction in Alaska for all filing, court, and service fees is $450. The cost can vary depending on the service fees. The eviction lawsuit must be filed in District Court.
| Fee | District |
| Initial Court Filing | $150 |
| Summons Service | $40+ |
| Writ of Assistance Issuance | $25 |
| Writ of Assistance Service | $45+ |
| Notice of Appeal (Optional) | $250 |
Handle the Alaska Eviction Process Confidently
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