How to evict a tenant in Alaska: steps and timeline

What notice does Alaska require?

Under AS 34.03.220(b), if rent is unpaid when due and the tenant does not pay the rent in full within seven days after your written notice of nonpayment and your intention to terminate the rental agreement if the rent is not paid in that time, the tenancy terminates, unless you agree to let the tenant stay, and you may recover possession of the unit. Only one written notice of default is needed for any one default. A landlord who has given that notice may accept a partial payment and extend the date for the eviction.

For a material noncompliance with the lease, or a breach of the tenant's duties that materially affects health and safety, 34.03.220(a)(2) calls for a written notice to quit that names the acts or omissions and says the agreement ends on a date not less than 10 days after service. If the tenant fixes the breach before that date, the agreement does not end. If substantially the same breach recurs within six months, in the absence of due care by the tenant, you may end the agreement on at least five days' written notice to quit. Shorter clocks apply to deliberate substantial damage over $400 or illegal activity (not less than 24 hours and not more than five days), and to a tenant whose utility is cut off for nonpayment (five days, with three days for the tenant to restore it).

A week-to-week tenancy ends with at least 14 days' written notice while rent is current, and a month-to-month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the rental due date named in the notice (34.03.290).

What must a notice to quit say, and how is it served?

Under AS 09.45.100, you may not start a possession case until you first give a notice to quit, except that the written rent notice under 34.03.220(b) is itself the notice to quit. A notice to quit must be in writing and served by delivering it to the tenant, leaving it at the premises if the tenant is absent, or sending it by registered or certified mail. Under 09.45.105 it must state the nature of the breach or other reason, any corrective action and the date and time it must be done by, the date and time the tenancy ends, a direction to leave by then, and a warning that the landlord may start a civil action to remove the tenant if the tenant stays.

If the tenant paid rent in advance, a notice to quit does not authorize a case until that paid period ends, and for a month-to-month tenancy the notice must be given at least 10 days before the rent is due again (09.45.130).

How does the court case work?

A forcible entry and detainer case may begin on or after the date the tenant unlawfully holds the unit by force, which AS 09.45.090 defines for rent cases as failing or refusing to vacate or pay within seven days after service of the 34.03.220(b) notice, and for other breaches as failing to fix the breach or leave within the number of days in the notice (09.45.110). The summons must be served not less than two days before trial, and a continuance may not run longer than two days unless the tenant gives an undertaking with sureties for the rent that may accrue (09.45.120). The statutes I read do not set a deadline for the writ after judgment, so ask the clerk of the court that hears your case.

Which mistakes cost an Alaska landlord time?

• Using an informal text or email instead of a notice that meets 09.45.105. It must state the reason, the end date and time and the warning about a civil action.
• Serving the notice in a way 09.45.100 does not list. Use hand delivery, leaving it at the premises when the tenant is out, or registered or certified mail.
• Starting the case before the seven days are over. The case begins on or after the day the tenant unlawfully holds the unit.
• Retaliating. Section 34.03.310 bars an action for possession after the tenant complains or organizes, with an exception for a tenant in default in rent after a notice to quit.

Example a made-up landlord hand-delivers the seven-day nonpayment notice on Monday, November 9, 2026. The seven days end on Monday, November 16. If the rent is still unpaid, the landlord may start the case on or after that date. If the court sets trial for Thursday, December 3, 2026, the tenant must be served with the summons no later than Tuesday, December 1.

What can an Alaska landlord never do?

Section 34.03.210 says that if a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant, or willfully interrupts electric, gas, water, sanitary or another essential service, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, either way, recover up to one and one-half times the actual damages. Use the court process.

How DoorKeeping handles it

DoorKeeping keeps each property's lease, rent ledger and the notices you send in one place, which is the paper trail a court asks for. You still serve the notice and file the case yourself. DoorKeeping gives general information, not legal advice. If a case is contested, or the tenant files an answer, talk to a local attorney.

Sources

1. Alaska Statutes 34.03.220 (Noncompliance with rental agreement; failure to pay rent), read Oct 30, 2026
2. Alaska Statutes 34.03.210, 34.03.290 and 34.03.310 (Unlawful ouster; periodic tenancy; retaliation), read Oct 30, 2026
3. Alaska Statutes 09.45.090 to 09.45.130 (Forcible entry and detainer; notice to quit), read Oct 30, 2026

Questions

How many days notice do I give an Alaska tenant who has not paid rent?

Seven days after your written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate (AS 34.03.220(b)). That notice also counts as the notice to quit.

How much notice for a lease breach in Alaska?

A written notice to quit that ends the agreement not less than 10 days after service, and the tenant can fix a fixable breach before then (34.03.220(a)(2)).

Can I change the locks on an Alaska tenant?

No. Under 34.03.210 the tenant can recover possession or end the lease and recover up to one and one-half times actual damages.