Alaska COVID-19 Eviction Protections: What Renters Need to Know

The coronavirus pandemic brought sweeping changes to eviction protections across the United States. Many renters in Alaska are still wondering what, if any, COVID-19 eviction rules or special rights remain in effect. Understanding your protections—and how eviction currently works—can help you make informed decisions if you’re facing financial challenges or notice from your landlord.

Are COVID-19 Eviction Protections Still in Effect in Alaska?

Most pandemic-specific eviction protections under federal and state law have expired in Alaska. However, some standard tenant rights apply if you’re facing eviction due to rent payment issues resulting from COVID-19, and there may be resources to help you stay in your home.

What Protections Have Expired?

• The federal CDC eviction moratorium ended on August 26, 2021.
• Alaska’s temporary state-level eviction moratorium also ended in 2021.
• There are currently no active statewide COVID-19 eviction bans for Alaska renters.

However, regular eviction procedures must still be followed, and landlords are not allowed to change locks, remove property, or otherwise force a tenant out without a court process.^[1]

What Are My Rights If I Receive an Eviction Notice?

If you receive any notice of eviction, know that you have important rights as an Alaska renter:

• Written Notice Required: Your landlord must give you a written notice before filing an eviction case in court.
• Court Process: Only a court can order your eviction. Your landlord can’t evict you without going through the Alaska court system.
• Notice Timeframes: For nonpayment of rent, you must be given a 7-day notice before a landlord can file for eviction.^[2]
• Opportunity to Respond: You have the right to respond and appear in court to present your side.

More information is available on the Alaska Court System’s Eviction Help page.

Official Eviction Forms in Alaska

• Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer (Form CIV-540): Used by landlords to begin the formal eviction process in court. Renters can review this form to understand what landlords must file. See the official CIV-540 form.
• Answer (Form CIV-735): If you’ve received an eviction summons, you can use this Answer form to respond in court. For example, if you need to state why the eviction should not proceed or include defenses, complete and file CIV-735 with your local court.

Eviction Process Overview During and After COVID

The regular Alaska eviction process now applies, even if COVID-19 affected your ability to pay rent:

• You must receive a written notice (7 days for nonpayment).
• If not resolved, the landlord files a court case (CIV-540: Complaint).
• You’ll get a summons and can file an answer (CIV-735: Answer).
• The Alaska District Court (the tribunal handling such cases) will set a hearing date.
• If the court decides in favor of the landlord, only law enforcement can carry out a court-ordered eviction.

If you need more time, attend your hearing or contact local legal support—ignoring notices often leads to worse outcomes.

Where to Get Emergency Rent Help

While Alaska’s state rent relief program has closed, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Alaska resources still list contacts for emergency rental assistance that may be available via local agencies or charities.

Alaska Legal Services Corporation and some city governments may offer additional help for renters struggling with COVID-19-related unpaid rent or eviction notices.

What Law Governs Rental Evictions in Alaska?

All rental and eviction matters in Alaska are governed by the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which protects both landlord and tenant rights.^[2]

FAQ: Alaska Renters and COVID-19 Eviction Protections

1. Are any COVID-specific eviction protections still active in Alaska?
   No, all temporary COVID-19 eviction bans have ended, but normal eviction rules (notice and court order) still apply.
2. What should I do if I receive a 7-day eviction notice?
   Read the notice carefully. Try to resolve the issue with your landlord, seek rent help if you qualify, and file an answer (CIV-735) with the court if served a summons.
3. Can my landlord change the locks on me without going to court?
   No. Alaska law requires a court process—landlords cannot evict or lock you out without a court order.
4. Is there anywhere I can apply for emergency rent help now?
   While statewide Alaska rent relief is closed, some local agencies and HUD resources may offer emergency assistance.
5. What court or agency handles eviction cases in Alaska?
   The Alaska Court System (usually District Court) handles all residential eviction cases.

Key Takeaways for Alaska Renters

• COVID-19 eviction protections have ended, so standard Alaska eviction law applies.
• Your landlord must use a written notice and court process for evictions—self-help evictions are illegal.
• If you get an eviction summons, respond promptly and seek legal or rental assistance when possible.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alaska Court System: Eviction Process Information
• Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• HUD Alaska Renters and Legal Help
• Alaska Legal Services Corporation (free or sliding-scale legal help for eligible renters)
• Contact your local municipality's housing authority for emergency assistance programs.

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1. Alaska Court System – Evictions Help
2. Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS 34.03)

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