New Mexico Tenant Rights
New Mexico has moderate tenant protections with clear deposit and late fee limits.
Security Deposit
- Maximum allowed
- 1 month's rent (lease < 1 year) or no limit (lease 1+ year)
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Itemized deductions required
- Yes
Landlord Entry
- Notice required
- 24 hours
- Emergency exception
- Yes — landlord may enter without notice in genuine emergencies
Notice to Vacate
- Month-to-month
- 30 days
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required — ends automatically
Rent Control
- Statewide rent control
- No
- Local ordinances allowed
- No
- Details
- No rent control in New Mexico.
Late Fees & Grace Period
- Grace period
- No statutory grace period
- Late fee limit
- 10% of monthly rent
Early Lease Termination
Early termination for military deployment, uninhabitable conditions, domestic violence. Landlord must mitigate.
Key Statutes & Laws
- New Mexico Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (NMSA § 47-8-1 et seq.)
Frequently Asked Questions — New Mexico Tenant Rights
What is the security deposit limit in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent (lease < 1 year) or no limit (lease 1+ year). Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days.
How much notice must a New Mexico landlord give before entering?
New Mexico requires 24 hours before landlord entry. Emergencies are exempt from notice requirements.
Does New Mexico have rent control?
No rent control in New Mexico.
Can I break my lease early in New Mexico?
Early termination for military deployment, uninhabitable conditions, domestic violence. Landlord must mitigate.
What is the late fee grace period in New Mexico?
No statutory grace period. Late fee limit: 10% of monthly rent.
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This guide provides general information about New Mexico tenant rights and is not legal advice. Laws change — always verify current statutes with your local tenant rights organization or a licensed attorney. Last updated March 2026.