Landlord Entry Laws in New Mexico

How much notice does a landlord have to give in New Mexico?

Under N.M. Stat. § 47-8-24, landlords in New Mexico must give at least 24 hours' advance notice before entering your rental unit for non-emergency purposes. The statute specifically requires this notice to be in writing — oral notice alone does not satisfy the requirement.

Even with proper notice, entry is restricted to reasonable hours.

What is your landlord allowed to enter for in New Mexico?

Under N.M. Stat. § 47-8-24, permitted entry reasons in New Mexico include:

• Repairs and maintenance
• Inspections
• Showing to prospective tenants
• Showing to prospective buyers
• Agreed-upon services
• Emergencies
• Court order
• Apparent abandonment

What counts as an emergency in New Mexico?

Emergency entry permitted without notice. Statute does not define 'emergency'.

What are your remedies if your landlord enters without notice in New Mexico?

If your landlord violates entry rules in New Mexico, your remedies under N.M. Stat. § 47-8-24 may include:

• Court order stopping future violations (injunction)
• Right to terminate the lease
• Actual damages
• Attorney's fees and court costs

In practice, start by documenting the unauthorized entry (photos, texts, a written log), then send a written objection citing the statute. If violations continue, consult a local tenant-rights attorney or your state's housing court.

Important New Mexico-specific notes

New Mexico's Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (NMSA § 47-8-1 et seq.) is the state's adoption of URLTA (relabeled 'owner'/'resident'). § 47-8-24 requires at least 24 hours' WRITTEN notice stating the purpose and a reasonable estimate of the time window. Entry only at reasonable times. Owner may also enter without notice in emergencies, after tenant absence of more than seven days (§ 47-8-34), or under court order. Owner abuse of access entitles the resident to injunctive relief or lease termination plus damages and reasonable attorney's fees (§ 47-8-24(C)).