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:
- The reason for entry
- The date and time they plan to come by
- It must be in writing (email or text can count, as long as you have a record)
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.
If there’s an urgent situation that threatens health or safety—like a fire, gas leak, or flooding—the landlord can enter without notice to fix the issue right away.
But even in emergencies, they should inform you as soon as it’s safe and practical to do so.
🛑 What’s Not Okay
Landlords cannot:
- Show up unannounced (unless it’s a true emergency)
- Enter without your knowledge or consent
- Use their key to come and go freely
This is your home during the lease period, and you have the right to peaceful enjoyment and privacy.
🚪 What to Do If Your Landlord Violates This Right
- Document everything. Save messages, take notes, and if possible, ask for communication in writing.
- Politely remind them of the law. Sometimes a simple heads-up can fix the issue.
- Report repeat violations. If it continues, you can contact New Mexico Legal Aid or consider filing a complaint in court.
Final Thoughts
Just because your landlord owns the property doesn’t mean they can come and go as they please. In New Mexico, 24 hours’ written notice is the law—and it protects your right to privacy and peace of mind.