Albuquerque City officials in New Mexico are pushing forward with a set of housing reforms aimed at protecting renters and holding landlords accountable. Known as the RENT ordinance, the proposal focuses on improving transparency, limiting hidden fees, and creating the city’s first rental property registration system. As Albuquerque continues to confront its housing crisis, leaders say these measures are essential to ensuring residents can live in safe and stable conditions.
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A Response to Unstable Housing
The RENT ordinance, short for “Renter’s Empowerment and Neighborhood Transparency,” is a direct response to widespread concerns about unsafe and unpredictable rental conditions in Albuquerque. Shanna Schultz of the Office of Policy and Government Affairs said the proposal is about providing renters with basic protections and more stability. It aims to address the crisis not just by building new homes, but by improving the conditions in existing rentals.
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Transparency in Leasing Agreements
One of the central components of the ordinance would require landlords to clearly list all potential costs upfront before a tenant signs a lease. This includes fees that are often buried in the fine print or disclosed only after a contract is signed. City officials want to make sure renters are not surprised by extra charges later on. By making cost disclosures mandatory, the city hopes to remove confusion and ensure tenants fully understand the financial obligations of their lease agreements.
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Ending Pet Rent Charges
Under the proposed rules, landlords would no longer be allowed to charge monthly pet rent. These additional fees, which are often tacked on for tenants who own animals, have long been a point of contention between renters and property managers. City leaders argue that such charges are excessive and place an unnecessary burden on families with pets. The new ordinance would eliminate this practice entirely.
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First-Come, First-Served Applications
Another key provision would require landlords to review rental applications in the order they are received. This “first-come, first-served” system is meant to reduce discrimination and ensure a fairer rental process. Officials believe this change will level the playing field for all applicants, especially those who may otherwise be overlooked due to income source, background, or other factors unrelated to their ability to pay rent.
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No Extra Fees for Rent Payments
The ordinance also targets how rent payments are collected. Landlords would be required to accept all common forms of rent payment without charging additional fees. This includes cash, checks, or electronic transfers. Currently, some tenants face penalties or restrictions when trying to pay with certain methods. The new rule is intended to remove those barriers and make the process more accessible.
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Creating a Rental Registration System
For the first time, Albuquerque may establish a rental property registration system. This would require landlords to provide contact information and property details to the city. The goal is to help the city better monitor rental properties and respond to complaints or violations more efficiently. It would also give local officials a clearer picture of rental conditions across different neighborhoods.
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Giving the City Enforcement Power
Having a registration system in place would allow Albuquerque to more effectively check in on properties and hold landlords accountable for any issues. This includes unsafe conditions, unaddressed maintenance problems, or violations of tenant rights. City leaders say these enforcement tools are necessary to ensure all rental housing in Albuquerque meets basic safety and habitability standards.
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Council Debate and Timeline
The proposed RENT ordinance was introduced at the Albuquerque City Council meeting on Monday, June 2. Councilmembers are expected to discuss and possibly amend the bill before holding a final vote in two weeks. The timing is important, as the council will take the month of July off. A vote before that recess would keep momentum behind the ordinance and allow implementation to begin without further delay.
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Addressing the Broader Housing Crisis
City officials emphasize that solving the housing crisis involves more than building new units. While increasing supply is important, ensuring that existing rental homes are fair, safe, and transparent is just as critical. By proposing the RENT ordinance, Albuquerque is taking a comprehensive approach that aims to support current renters, reduce exploitation, and improve quality of life across the city.
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