CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY SIXTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. O-25-102 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Nichole Rogers
ORDINANCE
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Adopting The "Rental Practices Ordinance" To Codify Provisions Of New Mexico Senate Bill 267 (2025) Regarding Rental Practices, Screening Fees, Fee Disclosures, And Late Fees; Requiring Owners To Offer A No-Fee Payment Option (Rogers)
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WHEREAS, the New Mexico Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (UORRA), NMSA 1978 ?? 47-8-1 et seq., establishes statewide minimum rights and duties of owners and residents in rental housing; and
WHEREAS, the Unfair Practices Act, NMSA 1978 ?? 57-12-1 et seq., prohibits deceptive or unfair trade practices in consumer transactions, including the leasing of residential property; and
WHEREAS, the New Mexico Legislature, through Senate Bill 267 (2025), amended UORRA and the Unfair Practices Act to require owners to disclose rental-related fees, cap applicant screening fees, reduce allowable late fees, and expand private remedies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Albuquerque has the authority to adopt and enforce supplemental protections for residents to ensure fair rental practices consistent with state law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that residents should have access to at least one fee-free method of paying rent, so households are not compelled to incur additional charges simply to meet their rental obligations, which can disproportionately burden low-income residents and undermine housing stability; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary and proper to incorporate the provisions of SB267 into the City's Housing Code to ensure enforcement at the municipal level and provide additional clarity and protection for Albuquerque residents.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
SECTION 1. A new Article 27 under Chapter 14 of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque, 1994 is adopted as follows:
?14-27-1...
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