New Mexico Utilities Setup Checklist for Renters

Moving into a new rental home in New Mexico is exciting, but setting up your utilities shouldn’t be stressful. Whether you're renting in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or anywhere in the state, confirming electricity, water, gas, and other essential utilities are ready is crucial for a smooth move-in. This checklist, informed by New Mexico’s current tenant law, walks renters through key utilities, legal requirements, and helpful resources.

What Utilities Do New Mexico Renters Need to Set Up?

Most New Mexico rentals require tenants to set up or transfer major utilities into their name unless your lease says otherwise. Here are common services you’ll need:

• Electricity: Typically provided by PNM (Public Service Company of New Mexico) or a local electric cooperative.
• Natural Gas: Often supplied by New Mexico Gas Company.
• Water & Sewer: Provided by the city or county. Each jurisdiction may have its own utility department.
• Trash & Recycling: Local municipal services or private providers.
• Internet & Cable: Private providers (such as Comcast or CenturyLink).

Always check your lease to see which utilities are included and which are your responsibility. Your landlord must disclose utility arrangements before or upon move-in, under the New Mexico Owner-Resident Relations Act.^[1]

Essential Steps to Set Up Utilities Before Move-In

Take these steps to avoid delays or service interruptions:

• Request a list of utility providers from your landlord or property manager.
• Contact each utility company 1–2 weeks before move-in to set up accounts and schedule activation dates.
• Ask if a deposit or credit check is required for new accounts.
• Document utility meter readings (with photos) at move-in for reference when you move out.

• Request copies of your lease, utility arrangements, and any written utility disclosures.
• Verify with each provider if service will be uninterrupted or if a technician needs to access the property.

Utility Disclosures and Legal Obligations in New Mexico

Under the New Mexico Owner-Resident Relations Act, landlords must provide accurate disclosures on:

• Which utilities are included in rent
• Any utilities the resident is responsible for
• Formulas or processes for dividing shared utility bills, if multiple units share a meter

If your landlord pays for a utility and later bills you, you have the right to request details about the costs and calculations used.

Relevant Official Forms for New Mexico Renters

• Move-In/Move-Out Condition Checklist
  Although not mandated statewide, many landlords use a written checklist to document property condition and utility status. If your landlord provides a condition checklist, fill it out on move-in and ask for a copy. This helps protect your rights regarding utility deposits and damages. See sample rental forms from the New Mexico Real Estate Commission.
• Complaint Form – Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution
  If you rent in a manufactured home park and have a utility dispute, you may file a complaint with the state’s Manufactured Housing Division. Download the MHD Complaint Form (PDF).

For most rental utility issues, no special standardized form is required, but written communication is strongly recommended for records.

What If There's a Problem With Utility Service?

If your landlord fails to provide required utilities or does not follow state disclosure laws:

• Communicate the issue in writing to your landlord or manager.
• Document service outages, dates, and your attempts to resolve the problem.
• If required utilities are missing and your landlord does not act within a reasonable time, you may have rights to withhold rent or terminate your lease under the Owner-Resident Relations Act.^[1]
• File a complaint with the New Mexico Real Estate Commission if needed.

These steps help ensure your legal rights are protected and utility issues can be resolved faster.

FAQ: Setting Up Utilities in New Mexico Rentals

1. Do landlords have to pay for any utilities in New Mexico?
   Landlords are only obligated to pay for utilities if your written lease specifies they are included or if required by local ordinance. Always check your lease agreement.
2. What if I move in and utilities are turned off?
   Contact your landlord immediately and document the situation. Under the Owner-Resident Relations Act, landlords must provide essential utilities or allow you to set up service.
3. Can my landlord disconnect my utilities?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord to intentionally shut off essential utilities to force a tenant out or collect payment. You may file a complaint with the Real Estate Commission if this occurs.
4. How do I prove my utility usage when moving out?
   Take meter photos and retain your final bills. Use a move-out checklist to document utility readings and property condition.

Conclusion: Utilities Setup Made Simple

• Know your utility responsibilities by reviewing your lease and state law.
• Contact providers in advance and keep all setup confirmations.
• Document everything—meter readings, emails, and forms—to ensure a smooth move-in and move-out process.

With preparation and the right documentation, setting up utilities as a New Mexico renter can be stress-free and straightforward.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in New Mexico

• New Mexico Real Estate Commission: Tenant-landlord information and official complaints
• Manufactured Housing Division Complaint Form (for mobile home park utility issues)
• New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority – Housing Resources
• Owner-Resident Relations Act (PDF): Full tenancy law for renters and landlords
• New Mexico Legislature: Laws and statutes

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1. New Mexico Owner-Resident Relations Act, 1978, as amended (most recently in 2023). See the full text of the Owner-Resident Relations Act.
2. New Mexico Real Estate Commission – the official tribunal for landlord-tenant complaints. Details at New Mexico Real Estate Commission website.
3. Sample forms and resources available from the NMREC Broker and Consumer Resources.

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