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 message—include dates, specific concerns, and what you expect to be done.
Having a written record is not just helpful—it can be essential if the issue escalates.
Step 2: If There’s No Response, Seek Help
If your landlord doesn’t take appropriate action after you’ve made a written request, you’re not out of options. There are several resources in New Mexico that can help you move forward:
🔹 New Mexico Legal Aid
New Mexico Legal Aid offers free legal assistance to low-income residents. They can help you understand your rights, communicate with your landlord, or even represent you in more serious disputes. Visit www.newmexicolegalaid.org for more information or to apply for help.
🔹 Your Local Housing Authority
If you live in a property that receives housing assistance or is managed by a public housing agency, your local housing authority can step in. They may be able to enforce regulations or help mediate the situation.
🔹 Magistrate or Metropolitan Court
When all else fails, you have the right to take legal action. You can file a claim in Magistrate or Metropolitan Court, depending on your county. These courts handle landlord-tenant disputes and can issue legal orders if your landlord isn’t meeting their responsibilities.
Know Your Rights—and Use Them
Dealing with housing problems can be frustrating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Taking action in writing and knowing where to turn can make a big difference. Whether it’s getting legal advice or pursuing a court case, remember: you have the right to safe, livable housing.
If you’re currently dealing with a rental issue and not sure where to begin, taking that first step—writing a letter—can set everything else in motion.