Albuquerque Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Permit

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply online at albuquerque.munirevs.com with a business registration, a floor plan, an acknowledgment of compliance with City ordinances, a Good Neighbor Agreement, and proof of short-term rental insurance ($250,000 minimum). The $120 initial permit fee applies. Permits are usually approved in 5-7 business days once complete. Each owner (STRO) may hold no more than three permits, and the City caps total active permits at 1,200.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: ~13.625% of gross rental income.

Collection: Operators collect and remit the City Lodgers' Tax and Hospitality Fee through the City's online portal (albuquerque.munirevs.com); New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax is reported and remitted separately to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.

Filing: City Lodgers' Tax and Hospitality Fee are reported and remitted monthly. New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax filing frequency is determined by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.

Rental Limits

Albuquerque does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Two persons (over 12 years old) per bedroom, plus 2 additional persons (excluding studios/efficiencies); for example a two-bedroom unit allows 6 overnight occupants. Gatherings limited to twice the overnight occupancy but no more than 20, and must disperse by 10:00pm.

Zoning & Restrictions

No city-wide separation/density requirement is currently in force; a proposed 330-foot separation in Council Districts 2 and 6 (O-24-40) failed and did not become law. Citywide STR permits are capped at 1,200, and each owner (STRO) may hold no more than three permits.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Operators must maintain at least $250,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Proof of short-term rental insurance (minimum $250,000 coverage per unit)
• A 'Good Neighbor Agreement' posted inside each unit informing guests of applicable City ordinances
• A floor plan submitted with the permit application
• A designated Short-Term Rental Manager who resides or is based within 20 miles of the City limits
• Acknowledgment that owner and operator will comply with all applicable City ordinances

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Civil assessments of $500 per day for every day the property remains in violation. If an STR commits three or more violations of City ordinances or State statutes within a 12-month period, the STR Permit is revoked for two years.

Platform Requirements

An STR permit is required for each unit rented, even units at the same location. Operators must hold a valid City Business Registration and remit Lodgers' Tax and Hospitality Fees through the City's online portal (albuquerque.munirevs.com).

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Albuquerque:

1. Meet safety requirements. Proof of short-term rental insurance (minimum $250,000 coverage per unit). A 'Good Neighbor Agreement' posted inside each unit informing guests of applicable City ordinances. A floor plan submitted with the permit application. A designated Short-Term Rental Manager who resides or is based within 20 miles of the City limits. Acknowledgment that owner and operator will comply with all applicable City ordinances.
2. Obtain liability insurance. $250,000 minimum.
3. Apply for Short-Term Rental Permit. Submit application + $120 fee.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Albuquerque (Lodgers' Tax and Hospitality Fee); New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department (Gross Receipts Tax).
5. Collect and remit taxes. ~13.625% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $90 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Albuquerque?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Albuquerque requires a Short-Term Rental Permit.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Albuquerque?

A Short-Term Rental Permit in Albuquerque costs $120 per year. Renewal is $90 per year.

Does Albuquerque require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Albuquerque allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Albuquerque?

Albuquerque does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Albuquerque?

Short-term rental stays in Albuquerque are subject to a combined ~13.625% in lodging taxes. This combines 5% City of Albuquerque Lodgers' Tax + 1% City of Albuquerque Hospitality Fee + 7.625% New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Albuquerque?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $500 per day.