Alaska Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence Protections

Renters in Alaska who are experiencing domestic violence have special legal protections to help them stay safe at home or move out quickly if needed. If you or someone in your household is facing abuse or threats, Alaska law provides clear steps you can take to protect your safety and your housing rights—whether you want to secure your apartment or end your lease early.

What Are Domestic Violence Tenant Protections in Alaska?

Under the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, renters affected by domestic violence have clear legal rights and options. These laws are designed to balance your right to safety and housing with your landlord’s needs.

• Right to Early Lease Termination: You may break your lease early with proper notice if you or an immediate household member is a victim of domestic violence or stalking.
• Right to Change Locks: You can request lock changes to keep an abuser out—even if the abuser is on the lease.
• Protection from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot evict or penalize you solely because you are a victim of domestic violence or for exercising your related rights.

These measures support renters in taking control of their living situation during a crisis.

How to End Your Lease Early if You Are a Victim

If you or a household member are experiencing domestic violence, Alaska law (AS 34.03.310) allows you to give your landlord a written notice to terminate your lease early. You must provide specific proof and notice for this protection.

Required Proof

• A copy of a Protective Order under AS 18.66.100, or
• A written police report from the last 60 days showing domestic violence or stalking

Action steps: Provide your landlord with at least 30 days’ written notice and include a copy of your documentation. After 30 days, your lease ends and you are not responsible for future rent.

Official Form: Written Notice of Early Lease Termination

• Name: No standardized statewide form; renters should use a Written Notice of Early Lease Termination Due to Domestic Violence.
• How it's used: Write a dated letter to your landlord stating you are ending your lease due to domestic violence, and attach the protective order or police report.
  • Example: Jane provides her landlord with a written notice and a copy of her court-issued protective order. Her lease ends after 30 days.
• See sample language and guidance from the Alaska Department of Law

Changing the Locks for Your Safety

You can request your landlord to change the locks immediately, according to AS 34.03.130(e). If the abuser is on the lease, the landlord is not required to give them a new key.

• Submit your written request: Make the request in writing, referencing the law.
• Your landlord must change the locks as soon as possible and may charge you the cost of the change.

Official Form: Written Request to Change Locks

• Name: Written Request to Change Locks Due to Domestic Violence
• How it's used: Submit a short, signed note requesting that locks be changed and referencing your right under Alaska law.
  • Example: Mike emails his landlord, citing that he is a victim of stalking and listing AS 34.03.130(e) as his legal right. The landlord arranges for the locks to be changed within the week.
• See sample request from Alaska Department of Law

If your landlord refuses to act, you may contact the Alaska Court System or local law enforcement for assistance.

Your Responsibilities When Using Domestic Violence Protections

While Alaska provides rights to end your lease or change your locks, you must:

• Provide true and timely documentation (Protective Order or police report)
• Follow proper written notice procedures
• Pay for the cost of lock changes, if applicable

Always keep copies of your communications and documentation for your records.

How and Where to Get Help

If you need assistance or face resistance from your landlord, Alaska has resources to guide or support you. Any disputes can also be settled in court if communication fails.

1. Can my landlord evict me for being a victim of domestic violence?
   No. Alaska law specifically protects renters from being evicted or discriminated against solely because they are victims of domestic violence.
2. What proof do I need to end my lease early due to domestic violence?
   You must give your landlord a copy of a court-issued protective order or a recent police report documenting domestic violence or stalking.
3. Who pays for changing the locks?
   You are responsible for paying the actual cost of changing or rekeying the locks if you make this request under the law.
4. Will other tenants in the household be affected if I terminate my lease?
   If you are the sole tenant, the lease ends. If there are other tenants, their lease may also end unless otherwise stated. Talk to your landlord about their policies and your documentation.
5. What if my landlord refuses my request?
   If your landlord does not comply, you may seek legal help or assistance from the Alaska Court System or local law enforcement.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Alaska provides special protections for renters facing domestic violence, including early lease termination and lock changes.
• Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for seeking help under these laws.
• Always follow the official notice rules, provide required documentation, and ask for help if you encounter obstacles.

Understanding your tenant rights can help you act quickly to stay safe and secure stable housing—even in a crisis.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03) — State landlord-tenant legislation
• Alaska Court System — Tribunal for tenancy disputes and domestic violence protective orders
• Alaska Department of Law: Tenant Rights — Guides and sample letters for renters
• Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault — Confidential support and referrals
• Alaska Office of Children's Services: Domestic Violence Services

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1. See Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, AS 34.03.310.
2. Alaska Department of Law: Tenant Rights
3. Alaska Court System: Domestic Violence Help

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