Applying a new approach to evictions in Alaska
Project background
The Alaska Court System turned to our Eviction Diversion Initiative for financial support and technical expertise to develop eviction diversion solutions that took into account Alaska's vast size and short statutory timeframe on evictions.
Building a strategy through collaboration
We worked with the court to create a program that emphasizes early intervention through virtual services, legal assistance, mediation, and financial support.
Because early intervention is a priority, the state mandates all eviction notices include an eviction diversion flyer, ensuring tenants are aware of resources before a court case is filed. Alaska also set up a pro bono mediation program and provides legal aid through the Alaska Legal Services Corporation's landlord-tenant hotline, with free legal advice and volunteer mediators available.
Collaborating with community partners has allowed Alaska courts to offer bridge funding for tenants facing temporary hardship and give landlords financial compensation for renting to high-risk tenants.
While early intervention is key, Alaska's program also supports landlords and tenants after a case is filed, offering mediation during eviction hearings.
Although Alaska law does not permit sealing eviction records, the program recognizes the stigma attached to eviction filings and now removes resolved cases from its online database to protect tenants from housing discrimination.
In the first six months of the program, 171 families were able to access mediation and over $385,000 in rental assistance to resolve their housing disputes outside of court.
Looking ahead
With its success as part of the initial cohort of courts in our Eviction Diversion Initiative, the Alaska Court System now plans to enhance its statewide outreach efforts, expand the use of virtual hearings to increase appearance rates, and continue expanding its network of community partners.