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:
- Working heat, electricity, and plumbing
- A roof that doesn’t leak
- Proper locks on doors and windows
- No serious mold, pests, or other health hazards
If your home becomes unsafe or unlivable and your landlord doesn’t fix it within a reasonable time after written notice (usually 7 days), you may have the right to:
- Withhold rent
- Repair and deduct
- Or even break your lease without penalty
🕵️ 2. You Have the Right to Privacy
Just because your landlord owns the property doesn’t mean they can enter whenever they want.
Under UORRA, landlords must give you 24 hours’ written notice before entering your unit—unless it’s an emergency (like a fire or gas leak). You have the right to enjoy your home without unannounced visits.
🚫 3. You’re Protected Against Unlawful Eviction
Your landlord cannot evict you without cause or without following proper legal procedures.
If you’re on a fixed-term lease, you can only be evicted for reasons like:
- Not paying rent
- Violating your lease
- Causing serious damage
Even if you’re on a month-to-month lease, your landlord must give you 30 days’ written notice to end the agreement—and they can’t evict you out of retaliation or discrimination.
🛡️ 4. You’re Protected from Discrimination
UORRA works alongside federal and state anti-discrimination laws, meaning your landlord cannot treat you unfairly because of your:
- Race, color, national origin
- Religion
- Gender
- Disability
- Family status (like having children)
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Bureau or reach out to New Mexico Legal Aid for support.
📝 Final Thoughts
UORRA is designed to protect renters like you. You have the right to a safe home, the right to privacy, and legal protections against unfair treatment. Knowing your rights is the first step to standing up for them.