Eviction Laws in Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is the southernmost city in Alaska, located on Revillagigedo Island in the Inside Passage. With approximately 8,200 residents, the economy is driven by fishing, timber, tourism (cruise ships), and the U.S. Coast Guard. Ketchikan District Court handles FED filings for the borough. The rental market is small with limited inventory, typical of Southeast Alaska island communities.
Alaska landlords operate under the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AS § 34.03) and the Forcible Entry and Detainer statutes (AS §§ 09.45.060–09.45.160). Nonpayment of rent requires a 7-day Notice to Pay or Quit. Curable lease violations require a 10-day Notice to Cure or Quit. If the same violation recurs within six months, the landlord may issue a 5-day unconditional notice with no right to cure. Deliberate property damage exceeding $400 or illegal activity (drugs, prostitution, gambling) allows a 24-hour notice. Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated without cause with 30 days’ notice. Self-help evictions are illegal in Alaska — landlords who change locks, shut off utilities, or remove belongings without a court order face damages of up to 1.5 times actual damages plus attorney’s fees.
Ketchikan — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
Island Community. Ketchikan is on Revillagigedo Island and is accessible only by air or water. Limited housing supply keeps the rental market tight.
Cruise Tourism. Ketchikan is a major cruise ship port. Seasonal tourism can impact local housing demand and short-term rental activity.
Coast Guard Presence. U.S. Coast Guard Base Ketchikan brings military families. Verify SCRA status before filing.
No Rent Control. Alaska does not permit rent control.
Ketchikan District Court — Where Landlords File
Ketchikan landlords file Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) actions at Ketchikan District Court, located at 415 Main St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, phone (907) 225-3195. The filing fee is ~$150 depending on claim amount (District Court for claims under $100,000; Superior Court for claims over $100,000). After filing, the court issues a summons scheduling a hearing within 15 days. The tenant must be served at least 2 days before the hearing by a process server, peace officer, or State Trooper. The tenant has 20 days to file a written answer. If the landlord prevails, the court sets a move-out date. If the tenant does not leave, the landlord requests a Writ of Assistance and law enforcement carries out the removal. Self-help eviction is illegal in Alaska.
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