Rent increases can be stressful—especially if you’re already trying to manage a tight budget. But in New Mexico, there are clear rules about when and how your landlord can raise your rent. Whether you’re in a fixed-term lease or on a month-to-month agreement, here’s what you need to know: 📅 Fixed-Term Leases: Your Rent Is Locked In If you signed a lease for a set period of time—like 6 months or a year—that’s called a fixed-term lease. Your landlord cannot raise the rent during that time.That’s part of the agreement you both signed. Unless you agree to modify the lease in writing, your rent stays the same until the lease… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat to Do When Your Rental Needs Repairs in New Mexico
Is your heater broken in the middle of winter? Mold spreading in the bathroom? Plumbing issues that just won’t go away? When a rental issue starts to affect your health or safety, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it may be a violation of your rights as a tenant. The good news is, New Mexico law gives you tools to take action when your landlord isn’t making necessary repairs. Step 1: Notify Your Landlord In Writing The first step is always to send a written notice to your landlord. This can be a letter, email, or even a text—just make sure it’s something you can save and reference later. Be clear… Read More
Continue ReadingUnderstanding Eviction Rules in New Mexico: Fixed-Term vs. Month-to-Month Leases
Whether you’re renting an apartment in Albuquerque or a home in Las Cruces, knowing your rights as a tenant is essential—especially when it comes to evictions and lease terminations. In New Mexico, the rules vary depending on the type of lease you have. Here’s what you need to know: 🔐 Fixed-Term Leases: More Protection for Tenants A fixed-term lease (usually 6 months or 1 year) gives you the strongest legal protection. Once you’ve signed a lease for a set period of time, your landlord can’t just ask you to leave without a valid reason. You can only be evicted for “cause”, which includes things like: In these cases, the landlord… Read More
Continue ReadingBreaking a Lease in New Mexico: What You Need to Know
Life happens. Maybe you got a new job in another city, had a change in your financial situation, or need to move for personal reasons. Whatever the case, if you’re thinking about ending your lease early, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter in New Mexico. Are You Still Responsible for Rent? Yes—but not entirely. If you move out before your lease ends, you may still be responsible for paying rent until the unit is re-rented. However, New Mexico law requires landlords to make a reasonable effort to re-rent the unit as soon as possible. This is called mitigating damages. In simple terms: your landlord can’t… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat to Do If Your Landlord Isn’t Addressing Your Concerns in New Mexico
Renting a home or apartment should come with the peace of mind that your landlord will maintain the property and respond to concerns in a timely manner. But what happens when that doesn’t go as expected? Whether it’s a maintenance issue, unsafe living conditions, or a violation of your lease terms, you have rights—and there are steps you can take to protect them. Step 1: Put It in Writing Before anything else, start by sending a written complaint to your landlord. This can be an email or a letter, but it’s important to document the issue and give your landlord a chance to respond. Be clear and detailed in your… Read More
Continue ReadingWhat Does a Property Manager Do? Understanding Their Role in Your Rental Experience
Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, you’ve probably heard the term property manager tossed around. But what exactly do they do? If you’re renting a home or apartment, understanding the role of a property manager can help you know what to expect—and how to communicate with them if issues arise. In short, property managers are the go-between for landlords and tenants, handling the day-to-day operations of rental properties. Here’s a closer look at their responsibilities. 🏢 Marketing and Tenant Screening One of the first things property managers do is market the property to potential tenants. They’re responsible for: Once they attract applicants, property managers also screen potential tenants. This… Read More
Continue ReadingUnderstanding Property Management Fees: What You Need to Know
When renting out a property, hiring a property manager can make your life easier. They handle the day-to-day operations—from marketing the property to dealing with maintenance issues. However, this convenience comes with a cost. Property management fees can vary widely, so it’s important to understand how they work before signing an agreement. Here’s a breakdown of typical property management fees and what you can expect from Trust Properties, which charges a flat 10% of any rent collected. 📊 Standard Property Management Fees: What’s the Range? Property management fees typically range from 8% to 12% of the monthly rent. The exact percentage often depends on factors like: For example, if you’re… Read More
Continue ReadingHow Property Managers Screen Tenants: Ensuring a Quality Tenant for Your Rental
As a landlord, one of the most important steps in renting out a property is choosing the right tenant. A good tenant not only pays rent on time but also takes care of the property and respects the terms of the lease. That’s why property managers take great care in screening tenants. From credit checks to background checks, property managers have several tools at their disposal to ensure you get a reliable and trustworthy tenant. Here’s a closer look at the tenant screening process that property managers typically follow. 📝 1. Credit Check A credit check is one of the most important tools for assessing a potential tenant’s financial responsibility.… Read More
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