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.

Please click on the links below for specific guidance and important information for:

Supreme Court Ruling Blocks Federal Eviction Moratorium

The eviction moratorium enacted through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to temporarily suspend the eviction of covered persons from residential property for nonpayment of rent was blocked by a Supreme Court ruling on August 26, 2021. This means that there will no longer be a suspension of evictions from residential property for nonpayment of rent. Tenants and landlords still retain all existing rights and protections against eviction under applicable state law. To learn more about evictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic, click here.

Alaska Housing Rent Relief

If you applied and were approved for Alaska Housing Rent Relief, you have certain protections as well as certain obligations. Your application for Alaska Housing Rent Relief ensures that rental assistance is available to address past due, current and future obligations up to three months at a time.

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. With tenants unable to pay rent due to reduced income or other factors, many landlords or property management offices are allowing 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. If you’re impacted by COVID-19 or other difficulties, share how your income 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 is likely experiencing challenges as well. Communicate clearly and calmly.
If you are nervous or need help with the details, ask someone to be with you during the conversation, or get free legal advice.

Resources for Talking with Your Landlord

Prepare what you'll say before contacting your landlord. Download this Sample Script for Requesting a Rental Repayment Plan.
Your landlord will likely ask you for some additional information. Download this List of Questions/Documents Your Landlord May Request.
Make sure that you know your rights and what information you are — and are not — required to provide under the Fair Housing Act.
Get to know what a repayment agreement looks like so that you are familiar with the details, or if your landlord asks you to provide one. Download sample agreements here and here.

Prioritize Paying Your Rent

Review your finances and develop a plan to keep your housing secure. To learn more about making a budget and how to reduce your expenses in other areas, click here.

Other Resources

Get immediate assistance with food, child care, and more from an organization in your area. Find help here.