Alaska Stat. § 34.03. § 34.03.250
Landlord liens; distraint for rent abolished
Operative Text
(a) A lien or security interest on behalf of the landlord in the tenant's household goods is not enforceable unless perfected before March 19, 1974. (b) Distraint for rent is abolished.
Alaska Statute AS 34.03 § 34.03.250 establishes two related protections concerning a tenant's personal property. First, any lien or security interest that a landlord might claim over a tenant's household goods is unenforceable unless it was legally perfected before March 19, 1974—meaning virtually no such liens are valid today. Second, the old common-law remedy of distraint for rent, which allowed landlords to seize a tenant's belongings as leverage for unpaid rent, has been entirely abolished in Alaska.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under AS 34.03 § 34.03.250, compliant Alaska landlords do not attempt to claim, assert, or enforce any lien or security interest against a tenant's household goods, as such interests are unenforceable unless they were perfected decades ago before March 19, 1974. Operators also do not use or threaten to use distraint—the practice of seizing or holding a tenant's personal property to collect unpaid rent—as that remedy no longer exists in Alaska law. Landlords pursuing unpaid rent generally rely on other legal remedies, such as filing a civil claim in court.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
AS 34.03 § 34.03.250 provides Alaska tenants with clear protections: a landlord cannot legally enforce a lien or security interest over your household goods (unless it predates March 19, 1974), and the practice of distraint—seizing personal belongings to compel rent payment—is abolished entirely. If a landlord attempts to claim your property or threatens to hold your belongings for unpaid rent, this provision may be raised as a defense or the basis of a complaint. Tenants who believe their rights under this section have been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or Alaska Legal Services for general guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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