Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Albuquerque, NM?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Albuquerque, NM under a structured permit and regulatory framework. The City of Albuquerque implemented Ordinance O-20-30, which went into effect on April 23, 2021, establishing a comprehensive permitting system for short-term rentals. A short-term rental is defined as any rental in a dwelling unit for 29 days or less.

The city requires each STR operator to obtain a valid permit for each STR property before operation. The regulatory framework is designed to balance the economic benefits of STRs with community concerns about safety, nuisance issues, and neighborhood compatibility.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Albuquerque

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Obtain Required Business Registration

   • Secure a New Mexico Tax ID number from the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department
   • Complete city business registration (contact: 505-924-3890 or [email protected])
   • Obtain a CRS# through New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department

2. Acquire STR Property Information

   • Contact Munirevs to obtain your account number and activation code for each property
   • Email: [email protected] with your property address

3. Submit STR Permit Application

   • Apply through the official STR website: https://albuquerque.munirevs.com/
   • Create a user account (multiple properties can be managed under one account)
   • Submit all required documentation

4. Wait for Permit Processing

   • Processing time: typically 5-7 business days after complete application submission
   • Initial permit fee: $120
   • Annual renewal fee: $90

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation:

1. Business Registration

• New Mexico Tax ID
• CRS# from New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department
• Albuquerque business registration confirmation

2. Property Documentation

• Detailed floor plan (hand-drawn or digital, must be drawn to scale)
• Property address and unit identification
• Proof of ownership or legal right to operate

3. Insurance Requirements

• Proof of short-term rental insurance (Airbnb/VRBO coverage acceptable if using those platforms)
• Separate coverage required for any additional platforms that don't provide insurance

4. Compliance Documentation

• Signed acknowledgment of compliance with all applicable City ordinances
• "Good Neighbor Agreement" (will be posted inside each unit)

5. Occupancy and Safety Information

• Maximum overnight occupancy calculation documentation
• Evidence of compliance with gathering limitations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Albuquerque):

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum overnight occupancy: 2 adults (over 12 years old) per bedroom plus 2 additional people
• Example: 2-bedroom unit = maximum 6 overnight occupants
• Overnight occupant defined as person over 12 years old

Gathering Restrictions:

• Maximum gathering size: two times the maximum overnight occupancy, but no more than 20 people total
• Gatherings exceeding overnight occupancy must disperse by 10:00 PM local time

Operational Requirements:

• Each unit requires a separate STR permit (even if multiple units at same location)
• STR ordinance defines a unit as one or more rooms with a kitchen
• Permit required for any unit rented for 29 days or less, regardless of typical rental duration

Unit Definition:

• A unit consists of one or more rooms with a kitchen
• Separate permits required for each individual unit

State-Level Regulations (New Mexico):

• State Tax ID required for business registration
• CRS# required for tax reporting purposes
• Standard New Mexico business registration requirements apply

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Contact:

• STR Permit Website Support: [email protected] or 888-751-1911
• STR Permit Application Questions: [email protected] or 505-924-3450
• Business Registration: [email protected] or 505-924-3890
• Lodgers Taxes and Hospitality Fees: [email protected] or 505-768-3309
• STR Complaint Hotline (24/7): 505-465-7710

City General Contacts:

• 311 Community Contact Center: Call 311 or 505-768-2000
• City Council: 505-768-3100
• Emergency: 911
• Non-Emergency Police: 505-242-COPS

State Contacts:

• New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department: https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/Businesses/

Links to Source Pages

Primary City Resources:

• Short Term Rental FAQ
• Short Term Rental Task Force
• STR Permit Website
• Short Term Rental Complaint Form

Legislative Resources:

• Ordinance O-20-30
• STR Task Force Final Report
• STR Task Force Recommendations and Bill Comparison

Additional Resources:

• Resolution 18-49 (Establishing Task Force)
• Peer Cities Best Practices
• New Mexico Business Registration

Important Note for Investors: The city maintains that a list of registered STRs is not available to the public for security reasons. All complaints and compliance issues are handled through the dedicated hotline and code enforcement processes. Investors should ensure full compliance with all permit requirements and maintain active communication with city authorities to avoid enforcement actions.