Foreclosure in Alaska: your timeline, rights, and how to stop it
Alaska uses a non-judicial foreclosure process. Below is the typical timeline, the notices you should get, your cure and reinstatement options, and whether a lender can come after you for a shortfall — with every figure tied to a source. None of this is legal advice; confirm your own case with a HUD-approved counselor or a Alaska attorney.
How fast foreclosure moves in Alaska
Method: Non-judicial. Non-judicial foreclosure via trustee sale under power of sale clause is the primary method used in Alaska, authorized by AS 34.20.070-34.20.130. Judicial foreclosure is also available as an alternative under AS 34.35. Most lenders use non-judicial because it is faster and less expensive than court proceedings.
Typical state-process time to sale: roughly 105–105 days once foreclosure starts. Non-judicial foreclosure takes approximately 105 days minimum. This timeline is based on: notice of default recorded not less than 30 days after default and not less than 90 days before sale (AS 34.20.070(b)), plus 10 days to mail notice to borrower and other parties (AS 34.20.070(c)). Judicial foreclosures typically take 6-18 months due to court involvement.
Before any of this: Under Reg X (12 CFR 1024.41(f)), a servicer generally cannot make the first foreclosure filing until the borrower is more than 120 days delinquent. This applies in every state, on top of the state process below.
Cure, reinstate, redeem
Right to cure: Yes (varies). Borrower may cure the default at any time before the sale date by paying the sum in default (other than principal) plus attorney fees and foreclosure costs actually incurred by the beneficiary and trustee (AS 34.20.070(e)). However, if the trustee has filed two or more previous notices of default and the borrower reinstated each time, the trustee may refuse to accept a later reinstatement request.
Reinstatement: Yes (varies). Reinstatement is available at any time before the sale date. The borrower must pay all missed payments plus attorney's fees and foreclosure costs. The lender cannot require the borrower to pay off the entire remaining principal balance as a condition of reinstatement. This right is subject to the limitation in AS 34.20.070(e) regarding multiple prior defaults.
Post-sale redemption: No. No statutory right of post-sale redemption exists after a non-judicial foreclosure sale in Alaska unless the deed of trust expressly provides for such a right (AS 34.20.090). Borrowers may redeem the property BEFORE the sale by paying the full debt. For judicial foreclosures, a 365-day redemption period applies.
Can a lender still come after you? (deficiency)
Deficiency judgment: Barred in Alaska. Deficiency judgments are absolutely prohibited following a non-judicial foreclosure under AS 34.20.100: 'When a sale is made by a trustee under a deed of trust, as authorized by AS 34.20.070 - 34.20.130, no other or further action or proceeding may be taken nor judgment entered against the maker or the surety or guarantor of the maker, on the obligation secured by the deed of trust for a deficiency.' However, if the lender pursues a judicial foreclosure instead, deficiency judgments ARE permitted under AS 09.45.180.
Deadline: Not applicable - deficiencies are barred in non-judicial foreclosure.
This is condition-specific (a primary residence or a purchase-money loan can change the answer). Confirm with a Alaska attorney before assuming you are or aren't on the hook.
What you should receive — and where to get help
Notices: Notice of Default (AS 34.20.070(b)): Must be recorded not less than 30 days after default and not less than 90 days before the sale. Must include trustor name, property description with street address, nature of breach, sum owing, election to sell, date/time/place of sale, and conditions for curing. Within 10 days of recording, trustee must mail certified copy to trustor and other parties with interest (AS 34.20.070(c)). Notice of Sale (AS 34.20.080): Must be posted in three public places within 5 miles of sale location at least 30 days before sale, published in newspaper once per week for four successive weeks, and published online beginning at least 45 days before sale.
Mediation: Available. Alaska offers foreclosure prevention counseling and mediation services through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and Alaska Homeownership Assistance programs, but participation is not mandatory. Mediation is available as an option for borrowers to discuss alternatives such as loan modifications or repayment plans, but borrowers are not required to participate.
How we verified this Alaska page
- Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 20, Article 2, Section 34.20.070 - Sale by Trustee — source
- Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 20, Article 2, Section 34.20.080 - Sale at Public Auction — source
- Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 20, Article 2, Section 34.20.090 - Title, Interest, Possessory Rights, and Redemption — source
- Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 20, Article 2, Section 34.20.100 - Deficiency Judgment Prohibited — source
- Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 35, Article 1 - Judicial Foreclosure — source
- Nolo Legal Encyclopedia - Alaska Foreclosure Laws and Procedures — source
- Foreclosure Process and Laws in Alaska — source
- Alaska Law Help - Foreclosure Prevention Resources — source
Last reviewed 2026-06-08 by Shirley Chia. Foreclosure law changes; we re-check each state on a schedule. This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation — confirm with a HUD-approved housing counselor (free) or a licensed Alaska attorney.