Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Alaska

sublettor's rights

For the last six months, I have sublet an apartment from a friend. When I moved in, the friend and I spoke to the landlord and were given permission to sublet and agreed on terms (amount of rent, rules, etc.) However, we didn't put this agreement into writing and my name was not added to the lease. Now, six months later, I have learned that the friend has given notice to the landlord and intends to move out in one month. Further, the landlord has already rented the place to someone else after that. I really want to stay and feel I should have a right to be the first to rent the apartment. Do I have any legal right to maintain occupancy in my apartment?


Asked on 4/02/04, 9:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Szender Law Office of James R. Szender

Re: sublettor's rights

Unfortunately, no. Alaska law is pretty clear that someone who hasn't signed a rental agreement has no rights as a tenant.

Even if you were a tenant, since your friend apparetly could terminate his tenancy without cause on 30 days notice, so could the landlord, and you would therefore still be subject to eviction at the same time. Sorry, but the landlord appears to hold all the cards here.

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Answered on 4/05/04, 9:42 pm


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