Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in New Mexico

Understanding your rights as a renter in New Mexico is essential—especially if you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, family status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories is not allowed under federal and New Mexico law. Knowing how to recognize unfair treatment and file a complaint can help you protect your home and peace of mind.

What Qualifies as Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination can take many forms, such as being denied rental opportunities, unfair lease terms, or being harassed in your housing due to your membership in a protected class. In New Mexico, you are protected by the New Mexico Human Rights Act and the federal Fair Housing Act.^1,2

• Refusal to rent or renew a lease
• Offering different terms or conditions
• Discriminatory statements or advertisements
• Eviction or threats of eviction based on a protected class

Where and How to File a Complaint

If you suspect discrimination, you can file a complaint with either:

• New Mexico Human Rights Bureau – Handles state enforcement of fair housing laws.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Handles federal claims.

The New Mexico Human Rights Bureau (part of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions) serves as the main tribunal for state housing discrimination cases. Their official guidance and complaint process can be found on the Human Rights Bureau website.

Official Complaint Form: New Mexico Human Rights Discrimination Complaint Form

• Form name: Human Rights Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to use: File this form if you believe you have been discriminated against in housing, employment, or public accommodation within New Mexico.
  Example: If your landlord refused to rent to you after learning about a disability, you would complete and submit this form.
• Download the official Human Rights Complaint Form (PDF)

How to Submit a Complaint

• Fill out the Human Rights Discrimination Complaint Form as completely as possible. Include specific dates, names, and details of what happened.
• File your complaint within 300 days of the latest alleged act of discrimination. Late complaints may not be accepted.
• You can submit your completed form via email to human.rightsinfo@dws.nm.gov, by fax, or in person at the Human Rights Bureau office. Detailed instructions are available at NM Human Rights Bureau: Complaint Process.

• You may also file a complaint online with HUD using the HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.

What Happens After You File?

Once your complaint is submitted, the Human Rights Bureau will:

• Review and decide if the complaint can be accepted
• Notify your landlord or property manager and ask for their response
• Investigate the claim, which may include interviews or document review
• Attempt to resolve through mediation or, if needed, proceed to a formal hearing

Your Rights Under New Mexico Law

The New Mexico Human Rights Act and the federal Fair Housing Act provide strong protections for renters. You cannot be retaliated against for exercising your fair housing rights.

The main agency enforcing these laws in New Mexico is the Human Rights Bureau.

FAQ: New Mexico Housing Discrimination Complaints

1. What is the deadline to file a housing discrimination complaint in New Mexico?
   The deadline is 300 days from the date the alleged discrimination occurred.
2. Do I need to provide evidence when submitting a complaint?
   Yes, include as much information and documentation as possible, such as emails, texts, or witness statements.
3. Will my landlord find out that I filed a complaint?
   Yes, the Human Rights Bureau will contact your landlord or property manager for their response as part of the investigation process.
4. Can my landlord evict me for filing a discrimination complaint?
   No, retaliation for asserting your fair housing rights is illegal under New Mexico and federal law.
5. Is there any cost to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   No, filing a complaint with the Human Rights Bureau or HUD is free.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Housing discrimination is prohibited by state and federal law in New Mexico.
• If you believe you have faced discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Bureau within 300 days.
• Completing the official form and providing supporting details helps your case.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Mexico Human Rights Bureau
  Call (505) 827-6838
  human.rightsinfo@dws.nm.gov
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Housing Office
• New Mexico Legal Aid – Free or low-cost legal help for tenants
• Review the New Mexico Fair Housing FAQs for more details

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1. New Mexico Human Rights Act
2. Federal Fair Housing Act
3. New Mexico Human Rights Bureau

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