Bernalillo County caps short-term rental occupancy at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total. STRs in unincorporated areas follow County STR Ordinance (2023). City of Albuquerque sets 2 per bedroom + 2 under §4-14.
Short-term rentals (under 30 consecutive days) in unincorporated Bernalillo County operate under the County's 2023 STR registration ordinance, which sets maximum occupancy at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, not to exceed 10 total guests regardless of bedroom count. Children under 2 are generally not counted. Maximum occupancy must be posted inside the unit and in the online listing (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.). The City of Albuquerque within the County runs a parallel program under ABQ Ordinance §4-14 with the same 2-per-bedroom + 2 formula and a 10-person ceiling. Sleeping in RVs, tents, or vehicles on the STR lot is prohibited. Operators must designate a local (within 60 miles) responsible contact who can respond to complaints within 1 hour. Occupancy violations are a ground for permit suspension after 2 verified complaints in 12 months. Lodgers' Tax (5% + 1% Hospitality Fee in ABQ) applies to every booking.
First violation: warning and required listing correction. Second within 12 months: $500–$1,000 fine. Third: STR permit revocation for minimum 12 months. Failure to post occupancy: $250 fine.
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See how Bernalillo County's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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