New Mexico Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in New Mexico
📋
New Mexico's Owner-Resident Relations Act (NMSA § 47-8-1 et seq.) caps deposits at 1 month's rent for leases of one year or less. Landlords must give 24 hours notice before entry. Tenants have repair-and-deduct rights after proper notice. No statewide rent control exists, though Santa Fe has a local rent stabilization ordinance.
Security Deposit Max
1 month's rent
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Allowed
Detailed Protections
🔵
Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rent for leases ≤ 1 year; no limit for longer leases (NMSA § 47-8-18)
Protection Exists
🔵
Deposit Return Period
30 days after move-out with itemized deductions
Protection Exists
🔵
Entry Notice Required
24 hours except emergencies (§ 47-8-24)
Protection Exists
⚠️
Rent Control
No statewide law; Santa Fe has a local rent stabilization ordinance
Limited Protection
🔵
Repair & Deduct
Allowed after written notice (§ 47-8-27.1)
Protection Exists
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required statewide
No Protection
🔵
Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — NMSA § 47-8-39
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
🔍 New Mexico tenant rights🔍 New Mexico landlord laws🔍 New Mexico eviction process🔍 NM security deposit