Does New Mexico have any rent control or rent stabilization laws?

No, New Mexico does not have rent control or rent stabilization. State law prohibits local governments from passing such ordinances.

How much advance notice is required for a rent increase in New Mexico?

Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice for rent increases on month-to-month tenancies.

Can my landlord raise the rent during my lease in New Mexico?

Generally, the landlord cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows it.

What should I do if my landlord doesn’t provide proper notice of a rent increase?

You can file a complaint at your local Magistrate or Metropolitan Court using official landlord-tenant forms.

Where can I read the actual landlord-tenant law for New Mexico?

You can find the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act on the state’s official legal website.

Is There Rent Control in New Mexico? 2025 Legal Guide

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization New Mexico published June 21, 2025

Many renters want to know: Are there any laws that limit how much a landlord can raise the rent in New Mexico? As rents change across the country, understanding whether rent control or rent stabilization exists in your state is important—especially if you’re facing a rent increase or concerns about affordability.

Does New Mexico Have Rent Control in 2025?

New Mexico does not have any statewide or local rent control or rent stabilization laws as of 2025. This means landlords are generally free to increase rent as they choose, as long as they provide proper written notice required under state law. There are also no city-based rent control ordinances in any New Mexico municipality.

Landlords must still follow state requirements for notice and can’t raise the rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows for it.

What Is Rent Control?

Rent control, sometimes called rent stabilization, refers to local or state laws that limit how much a landlord can increase the rent for residential properties. States like California and New York have these laws, but New Mexico does not. In fact, New Mexico law specifically prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances.

How Are Rent Increases Regulated?

Even though there is no rent control, New Mexico landlords still must follow these state requirements:

Month-to-month tenancy: Landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before increasing the rent.
Fixed-term leases: Rent can only be increased at the end of the lease, unless otherwise stated in the rental agreement.
No law limits the amount of the rent increase—only the timing and the requirement for proper notice.

Find the state’s official residential landlord-tenant law, the New Mexico Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act^[1].

Notice Requirements for New Mexico Rent Increases

Landlords must provide the legally required notice for any rent increase. This helps protect renters from sudden or unfair increases.

For most periodic rental agreements (like month-to-month), 30 days written notice is required (Section 47-8-15(F)).
If you have a fixed-term lease, your landlord generally cannot change the rent until the lease expires unless you both agree, or the lease says otherwise.

Sample Scenario

If you rent month-to-month and your landlord wishes to raise your rent beginning July 1, they must give you written notice by June 1. If you have a one-year lease, the landlord usually cannot increase your rent until the lease ends, unless your lease specifically allows rent increases.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are no exceptions creating rent control or stabilization in New Mexico municipalities in 2025. Federal rent limits may apply if you live in government-subsidized housing, such as Section 8. If that's your situation, check with your local HUD field office.

Filing a Complaint or Dispute as a Renter

If you believe your landlord has failed to follow the proper notice or you need help with a rental issue, you can:

Contact the New Mexico Magistrate Court (which handles residential landlord-tenant disputes)
File a complaint using the court's official civil complaint forms

Relevant Official Forms

Petition by Resident for Relief (form name: "Petition By Resident Proceeding Under the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act")
When/How to Use: Use this if you believe your landlord has violated your rights under the Act (e.g., notice requirements not met). Download the form from the New Mexico Courts' official site under "Landlord/Tenant Forms." Fill it out and file it with your local Magistrate or Metropolitan Court office.
Notice of Intent Not to Renew (no official state form):
When/How to Use: If you want to leave after a rent increase you can't afford, you must provide your landlord with written notice—usually 30 days for month-to-month residency. You can find model templates from nonprofit legal aid, but the law does not require any specific form.

Key tip: Always keep copies of any rent increase notice or paperwork you send or receive. Written proof is helpful in case of a dispute.

FAQ: New Mexico Rent Increases and Rent Control

Does New Mexico have any cities with rent control or rent stabilization?
No. State law blocks any local government from adopting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances.
How much can my landlord legally raise the rent in New Mexico?
There is no limit on the amount your rent can be increased, but you must get proper 30 days’ written notice for month-to-month rentals.
If I can't afford my rent increase, can my landlord evict me?
If you do not pay the new rent amount after the notice period, the landlord can legally begin the eviction process according to the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act.
How do I challenge an illegal rent increase?
If your landlord does not provide proper notice or acts outside your lease, file a complaint with your local Magistrate Court using the official forms and consider consulting legal aid.
Where can I see the exact law?
View the full Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act online.

Summary: What Renters Need to Know About Rent Increases in New Mexico

New Mexico does not allow rent control or rent stabilization anywhere in the state
Landlords must give 30 days’ written notice for rent increases on month-to-month rentals
If you think your rights have been violated, reach out to your local Magistrate or Metropolitan Court for help or file an official complaint

Need Help? Resources for Renters in New Mexico

New Mexico Magistrate & Metropolitan Court: Processes residential tenancy disputes and complaints
Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act: Official state law on landlord-tenant rules
New Mexico Legal Aid: Free or low-cost legal help for renters facing eviction or rental disputes
HUD New Mexico Resources: Info for renters in subsidized housing