Eviction Guidance

The information on this page helps renters understand their responsibilities as tenants, and clarifies the eviction process. There is also guidance on how to set up a repayment plan with your landlord for rent owed, information about how to prioritize paying rent in the future, and resources for those that need immediate assistance.

If you reside in an assisted rental unit owned by AHFC or receive assistance through an AHFC housing voucher, contact your local Alaska Housing office for additional information and resources.

What You Need to Know About the Likelihood of Eviction

If you are unable to make rental payments, your landlord may have the legal right to implement eviction proceedings.

Quick Facts

A landlord is allowed to evict a tenant for failing to pay rent on time.
In Alaska, rent is considered late the day after it’s due. Grace periods (if any) are addressed in the rental agreement/lease.
Once rent is past due, the landlord must provide tenants with a "7-Day Notice to Pay" if the landlord wants to file an eviction action with the court. This notice gives the tenant the option to pay the past due amount in full within seven days (or move out) in order to avoid eviction.
If the tenant does not pay the rent due by the end of the notice period and remains on the property, the landlord may proceed with the eviction process.
You may also be evicted for: engaging in criminal activity while on the premises; threatening the health or safety of other residents; damaging or posing an immediate and significant risk of damage to property; violating any applicable building code, health ordinance, or similar regulation relating to health and safety; or violating any other contractual obligation of a tenant’s lease.
Under federal law, your landlord cannot discriminate based on race, ethnicity, family status, disability, or other factors. Some localities and states also prohibit unequal treatment based on the tenant’s source of income (housing assistance, child support, disability payments, etc).

Click here to learn more about the eviction process in Alaska >>

Click here to learn more about your rights as a renter >>

Steps You Can Take To Avoid Eviction

If you are struggling to pay your rent, you should contact your landlord before your next rent payment is due. Some landlords or property management offices allow a repayment agreement. Repayment agreements outline a plan for the tenant to come back into compliance with the terms of their tenancy, and ensure that families may continue to be housed.

Contact Your Landlord to Discuss a Plan for Repayment

Be candid about your situation and how your ability to pay rent has been affected.
Consider mentioning any resources and assistance options you’ve found.
Explain how your family would be impacted by a loss of housing.
Ask about payment arrangements. Establish a plan that works for you and do not agree to payment amounts or schedules that you are unable to support.
Keep any email and text conversations and make notes of when you spoke in person.
Keep in mind that your landlord may rely on your rental payments and could be experiencing financial challenges as well.
If you are nervous or need help with the details, ask someone to be with you during the conversation, or get free legal advice.

Prioritize Paying Your Rent

Review your finances and develop a plan to keep your housing secure. Learn more about making a budget and how to reduce your expenses.

Other Resources

Immediate assistance with food, child care and more may be available. Contact an organization in your community.