Albuquerque, NM Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Gathering curfew
- 10:00 p.m. local time
- Max gathering size
- 2x overnight occupancy or 20
- Overnight occupancy
- 2 adults/bedroom plus 2
- Adult defined as
- Over 12 years of age
- Noise compliance
- Certified at permit application
- Grace period
- 30 days before penalty
- Civil assessment
- $500 per day after grace period
Summary
Gatherings at an Albuquerque short-term rental larger than the unit's overnight occupancy must end and attendees must clear the property by 10:00 p.m. Albuquerque Code of Ordinances § 13-19-7(B) sets that curfew, and every STR operator must also certify compliance with the city's Noise Ordinance as a condition of the permit.
(A) The maximum overnight occupancy of an STRU is limited to a maximum of two adults per bedroom, plus an additional two adults for each unit excluding studios or efficiencies, such that a two bedroom house would have an overnight occupancy of six adults, or a three bedroom house would have an overnight occupancy of eight adults. For the purposes of this division, an adult is any person over 12 years of age. (B) Gatherings of persons in excess of the maximum overnight occupancy prescribed by division (A), above, shall not exceed two times the maximum overnight occupancy or 20 persons, whichever is less. All such gatherings shall conclude and attendees disburse by 10:00 p.m. local time.
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
Section 13-19-6(A)(4) requires each short-term rental operator (STRO) to sign a statement, submitted with the permit application, that the STR will be run in compliance with the Integrated Development Ordinance, the Uniform Housing Code, the Fire Code, applicable Public Health Orders, and the Noise Ordinance. Section 13-19-7(A) caps overnight occupancy at two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults per unit (an adult being anyone over 12). local time. Section 13-19-5(F) requires the operator to post a current 'Good Neighbor Agreement,' issued annually by the Planning Department, informing occupants of the maximum overnight occupancy, the maximum gathering occupancy, and relevant city ordinances.
Complaints about a late or oversized gathering route through the Zoning Enforcement Officer, who administers this article consistent with IDO Part 14-16-6 (§ 13-19-8): a written notice goes to the operator's 24/7 contact (or the property owner of record) describing the violation and giving a 30-day grace period to come into compliance before penalties attach.
Violations & Fines
A gathering that runs past 10:00 p.m. or exceeds the cap is cured through a 30-day notice period; after that, § 1-1-99 misdemeanor penalties apply with each day a separate offense, and the City Attorney may sue to enjoin the conduct and collect civil assessments of $500 per day the violation continues, recoverable as a lien on the property under NMSA 1978 §§ 3-36-1 to 3-36-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time must a party at an Albuquerque short-term rental end?
How many people can gather at a short-term rental at once?
Does Albuquerque's short-term rental law reference the Noise Ordinance?
What happens if neighbors report a late-night rental party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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