Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Rental Property Rules

Albuquerque's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Repairs & Habitability

Every occupied dwelling in Albuquerque must be kept safe and sanitary under the city's Uniform Housing Code, and owners who let a unit fall into disrepair face vacate orders and civil penalties.

Key details: Standard: Safe and sanitary condition required. Enforcement: Code Enforcement inspector orders abatement. Penalty: $500 plus $100 per month. Registration: $25 fee once cited. Citation: ROA §§ 14-3-4-1, 14-3-5-11.

Occupying or renting out an unsafe, unsanitary unit can trigger a vacate order; a cited rental owner who doesn't come into compliance owes a $500 civil penalty plus $100 for every additional month.

Rental Registration

Albuquerque requires a rental property owner cited for a Housing Code violation who fails to fix it to register the property with the city and pay a $25 fee, or face escalating civil penalties.

Key details: Registration fee: $25 one-time, per change. Trigger: Cited for Housing Code violation. Penalty: $500 plus $100 per month. Exemption: Owner-occupied, ≤2 tenants, one lease. Appeal window: 15 days to City Clerk.

Noncompliance draws a $500 civil penalty plus $100 for each additional month until the property is registered, appealable to the City Clerk in writing within 15 days.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Albuquerque actively enforces its rental registration requirements.

The Bottom Line

Albuquerque's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Albuquerque is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Albuquerque's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.