Rio Rancho, NM local landlord rules
State law also applies. See New Mexico landlord-tenant law and the New Mexico landlord FAQ. State rules: Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Late fees · Eviction notice (nonpayment) · Rent increase notice.
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Short-term rentals (Airbnb) | Operating or advertising a short-term rental requires a city short-term rental permit and a business registration. The code states: "No short-term rental operator shall operate, rent, offer to rent or advertise any short-term rental unit within the City of Rio Rancho without a valid short-term rental permit issued by the Department of Development Services" (§ 123.05). |
Details & sources
Short-term rentals (Airbnb)
Operating or advertising a short-term rental requires a city short-term rental permit and a business registration. The code states: "No short-term rental operator shall operate, rent, offer to rent or advertise any short-term rental unit within the City of Rio Rancho without a valid short-term rental permit issued by the Department of Development Services" (§ 123.05).
Verified Source: Rio Rancho Code of Ordinances § 123.05 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Research coverage
0 of 13 topics checked at the local level (state law is covered on the state page). A topic counts as checked only when every subtopic in it is checked or no additional requirement was found after a recorded full read. How coverage works.
| Topic | Status | Subtopics done |
|---|---|---|
| Deposits | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Deposit return deadlines | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Rent increases and rent control | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Late fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Landlord entry | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Repairs and habitability | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Screening and application fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Fair housing and assistance animals | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Disclosures | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Renewal and termination | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Eviction | Not researched | 0 of 3 |
| Registration and licensing | Not researched | 0 of 3 |
| Short-term rentals | Partially researched | 1 of 2 |
Also applies statewide
New Mexico rules that also apply in Rio Rancho:
- Security deposit limit
- Leases under one year: no more than one month's rent. Annual leases: more is allowed, but the owner must pay the tenant annual interest on a deposit over one month's rent. Verified Source: NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(A) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Mexico security deposit limit page
- Deposit return deadline
- Itemized list of deductions and any balance within 30 days after the agreement ends or the tenant leaves, whichever is later. Verified Source: NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Mexico deposit return deadline page
- Notice to enter
- At least 24 hours' written notice stating the purpose, date and estimated time frame (not needed for repairs within 7 days of the tenant's request, or emergencies). Verified Source: NMSA 1978, § 47-8-24(A) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Mexico notice to enter page
- Late fees
- Only if the lease provides for a late fee; the fee may not exceed 5% of the rent for each rental period in default, figured on rent only (not deposits, other fees or utilities), and notice must be given by the last day of the next rental period. Verified Source: NMSA 1978, § 47-8-15(D), as amended by Laws 2025, ch. 122 (SB 267) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Mexico late fees page
Other New Mexico cities
Back to New Mexico landlord-tenant law
Get alerts when New Mexico's landlord laws change
A short email when a rule on this site changes. Free, unsubscribe anytime.