Landlord-tenant law

New Mexico Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notice periods, lease termination requirements, and late fee rules for New Mexico.

Not legal advice. Current as of May 2026. Verify with a local attorney before any compliance decision.

$
Security Deposit Max
1 month's rent (for leases < 1 year); no limit for leases of 1 year or more
N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18
↩
Deposit Return Deadline
30 days
N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18(D)
!
Non-Payment Eviction Notice
3-day notice to pay or quit
N.M. Stat. § 47-8-33(D)
✕
Month-to-Month Termination
30 days
N.M. Stat. § 47-8-37
¢
Late Fee Cap
10% of monthly rent
N.M. Stat. § 47-8-15(D)
⏱
Grace Period
No statutory grace period
New Mexico specific notes

The deposit cap varies by lease length — 1 month for shorter leases, no limit for year-plus leases. Santa Fe has a local rent-control ordinance; verify for Santa Fe properties.

FAQ

Common New Mexico landlord questions

What is the maximum security deposit in New Mexico?+
1 month's rent (for leases < 1 year); no limit for leases of 1 year or more. Governed by N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18. Deposit must be returned within 30 days after the lease ends.
What notice is required to evict a tenant in New Mexico for non-payment of rent?+
3-day notice to pay or quit. Per N.M. Stat. § 47-8-33(D). This is the notice period before a landlord can file an eviction lawsuit.
How much notice to end a month-to-month tenancy in New Mexico?+
30 days. Per N.M. Stat. § 47-8-37. This applies to no-cause terminations of month-to-month leases.
Are late fees regulated in New Mexico?+
10% of monthly rent. Per N.M. Stat. § 47-8-15(D). Grace period: No statutory grace period. Even where no statutory cap exists, late fees must be reasonable and clearly disclosed in the lease.
References

Authoritative sources for New Mexico

Compare

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Deposit Limits — All 50
Side-by-side max deposit and return deadlines.
Eviction Notice — All 50
Notice periods for non-payment and termination.
Late Fee Laws — All 50
Caps and grace periods.
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