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Albuquerque, NM Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Complaint intake
Free hotline and website
Requested inspection fee
$150 first unit
Additional unit fee
$100 each
Interior entry
Consent or court order required
Late compliance
Re-inspection fee applies

Summary

Tenants report housing code violations to Albuquerque Code Enforcement through a hotline and website at no cost, or pay for a formal requested inspection: $150 for the first unit, $100 for each additional unit.

Albuquerque Code Enforcement shall implement and operate a complaint system that includes a hotline and a website available to city residents to report violations of this Code.

(B)   Vacant buildings under the authority or within the control of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency or a land bank are exempt from the business maintenance licensing provisions of the Uniform Housing Code. (Ord. 45A-2004; Am. Ord._2018-025)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).

Full Breakdown

Under the Uniform Housing Code, Albuquerque Code Enforcement runs a resident complaint system with a hotline and website so tenants can flag substandard conditions without visiting City Hall. Anyone can also pay for a requested inspection ($150 first dwelling unit, $100 each additional unit) to get a formal compliance check. Interior entry requires the owner's or occupant's consent, or a court order if entry is refused. Owners who don't fix cited violations by the compliance deadline face re-inspection fees and possible civil penalties.

Violations & Fines

Owners who fail to correct cited violations by the compliance date can be billed a re-inspection fee; unpaid fees within 10 days become an additional violation and may be collected as a lien on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a tenant report a housing code problem in Albuquerque?
Call or use the website hotline operated by Albuquerque Code Enforcement to report the violation; no fee is charged to file a complaint.
Does a formal inspection cost money?
A requested inspection costs $150 for the first dwelling unit and $100 for each additional unit, covering inspection and reinspection costs.
Can an inspector enter the rental unit without permission?
No. Interior inspections require the owner's, agent's, or occupant's consent, or a search warrant obtained from Metropolitan or District Court.

Sources & Official References

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All Albuquerque rules

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