Being a landlord in New Mexico comes with important legal responsibilities that ensure tenants have a safe, secure, and fair living environment. The Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (UORRA) is the primary law governing the rights and duties of both landlords and tenants in the state. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or new to renting out property, understanding the UORRA is crucial to ensuring that you comply with state laws and maintain positive relationships with your tenants. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the key provisions of the UORRA and highlight the most important requirements for landlords in New Mexico. From habitability to eviction, here’s everything you… Read More
Continue ReadingHow Property Managers Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to Set Competitive and Fair Rent
Setting the right rent for a rental property is one of the most crucial decisions a property owner or manager has to make. Charge too much, and you risk a higher vacancy rate, while charging too little could leave money on the table. To strike the perfect balance, property managers rely on a comparative market analysis (CMA), a tool that ensures the rent is competitive, fair, and legally justifiable. In this post, we’ll dive into the importance of a CMA and how property managers use it to determine the right rent for a property. 📊 What Is a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)? A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a tool… Read More
Continue ReadingUnderstanding Tenant Rights: Why Landlords Can’t Access Your Property Without Notice
As a property owner, you retain ownership of your rental property, but once you sign a lease with a tenant, you grant them exclusive rights to that space for the duration of the lease. This means tenants have the legal right to live in the property without interference, and as the landlord, you can’t just walk in whenever you want. There are rules and procedures you must follow to access the property or make changes. If you’re a landlord or potential landlord, it’s essential to understand the limitations on your right to enter the property and the tenant’s right to privacy. Here’s everything you need to know about tenant rights… Read More
Continue ReadingThe Importance of Inspections in Property Management: How Move-In, Move-Out, and Routine Inspections Protect Your Investment
When it comes to maintaining a rental property, inspections are a key part of the process. Property managers are responsible for ensuring the property remains in good condition and that both tenant and owner interests are protected. That’s where inspections—such as move-in, move-out, and routine inspections—come in. Whether you’re a tenant or a property owner, it’s essential to understand why these inspections are conducted and how they benefit all parties involved. 🏠 Move-In Inspections A move-in inspection is typically the first formal inspection conducted when a new tenant moves into a rental property. This inspection serves several purposes: Typically, the property manager will document the inspection with photos or written… Read More
Continue ReadingHow Property Managers Handle Repairs and Maintenance: Streamlining the Process for Owners and Tenants
When it comes to owning a rental property, one of the key responsibilities is ensuring that the property is well-maintained and any issues are resolved promptly. While property owners are financially responsible for repairs and maintenance, property managers are the ones who coordinate and oversee the work to ensure everything is taken care of efficiently. This arrangement benefits both owners and tenants, as it streamlines the process of handling maintenance issues, minimizes downtime, and helps keep the property in good condition. Here’s a breakdown of how property managers handle repairs and maintenance, and why having a property manager with preferred vendors can make all the difference. 🛠️ Property Managers Oversee… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat Happens If You Miss a Rent Payment? How Property Managers Handle Late Fees and Evictions in New Mexico
Paying rent on time is one of the most important responsibilities as a tenant. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to make a payment on time, it’s essential to understand what will happen next. In New Mexico, property managers follow a structured process when it comes to late rent payments and evictions. They will issue late notices, charge late fees, and, if necessary, initiate the eviction process. Here’s a breakdown of how property managers handle these situations and what you, as a tenant, need to know. 💳 Late Notices and Late Fees When a rent payment is missed, the property manager will usually begin by… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat Happens to Your Security Deposit in New Mexico? A Guide for Tenants and Landlords
One of the most important aspects of renting a property is the security deposit. This upfront payment is meant to protect the landlord against potential damage, unpaid rent, or cleaning costs. But as a tenant, you may have questions about what happens to your security deposit when you move out. In New Mexico, property managers have specific responsibilities regarding the handling and return of security deposits, and it’s essential to understand both your rights and your responsibilities. 🏦 Holding the Security Deposit in a Trust Account In New Mexico, property managers are required to hold the tenant’s security deposit in a trust account. This means that the deposit is kept… Read More
Continue ReadingKnow Your Rights: What UORRA Means for Renters in New Mexico
If you’re renting a home or apartment in New Mexico, you’re protected by a law called the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (UORRA). Whether you’re brand new to renting or have lived in the same place for years, UORRA gives you important rights—and knowing them can help you feel more confident and secure in your home. Here’s a breakdown of what this law means for you as a tenant. 🏠 1. You Have the Right to a Safe and Habitable Home Your landlord is legally required to keep your rental safe, clean, and livable. That means: If your home becomes unsafe or unlivable and your landlord doesn’t fix it within a… Read More
Continue ReadingCan Your Landlord Just Walk In? Know Your Right to Privacy in New Mexico
You’re relaxing at home, and suddenly—there’s a knock at the door… or worse, your landlord just lets themselves in. It might feel invasive, and in many cases, it’s not legal. In New Mexico, tenants have the right to privacy—and landlords must follow the rules before entering your home. 🕓 The 24-Hour Notice Rule Landlords in New Mexico are required to give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental unit. This notice must include: Whether it’s for repairs, inspections, or to show the unit to a future tenant—you should always be informed in advance. 🚨 Emergencies Are the Exception There’s one big exception to the 24-hour rule: emergencies.… Read More
Continue ReadingHow Much Can a Landlord Charge for a Security Deposit in New Mexico?
If you’re getting ready to sign a new lease, one of the first costs you’ll likely face is the security deposit. This upfront payment helps protect the landlord in case of damage, unpaid rent, or cleaning costs—but how much can they legally charge? In New Mexico, the rules around security deposits depend on the length of your lease. Here’s what you need to know before you sign: 🏠 Leases Less Than One Year: 1 Month Max If your rental agreement is for less than one year, your landlord cannot charge more than one month’s rent as a security deposit. ✅ Example:If your rent is $900/month and your lease is for… Read More
Continue ReadingWhen Should You Get Your Security Deposit Back in New Mexico?
If you’ve recently moved out of a rental in New Mexico, you’re probably wondering when your security deposit will be returned—and what your landlord is allowed to keep. Here’s what the law says and what you can do if things don’t go as expected. 🕒 The 30-Day Rule In New Mexico, landlords are required by law to return your security deposit within 30 days after the lease ends and you’ve moved out. That 30-day window gives the landlord time to: ✅ What Can Be Legally Deducted? Your landlord can subtract costs for: But they cannot deduct for normal wear (like faded paint or minor scuffs) or repairs that are their… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat Can a Landlord Deduct from Your Security Deposit in New Mexico?
You’ve packed your boxes, cleaned the apartment, and turned in your keys—now you’re waiting for your security deposit. But when it comes back with deductions (or doesn’t come back at all), it’s important to understand what your landlord is legally allowed to charge you for. In New Mexico, landlords can’t just keep your deposit without reason. Here’s what they can deduct—and what they can’t. ✅ Allowed Deductions ❌ Not Allowed Landlords cannot deduct for: They also can’t charge you for issues that were already there when you moved in—this is why having a move-in checklist with photos is so important! When Should You Get Your Deposit Back? In New Mexico,… Read More
Continue Reading