About NM Eviction Prevention & Diversion

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that began in March 2020, the people of the State of New Mexico faced widespread closures, at home/online schooling of young children, medical issues, job loss, and more. The New Mexico Supreme Court stayed the execution of evictions based on missed rent payments throughout the state. Since that time, many New Mexicans, similar to others all over the country, have become burdened with financial hardships and uncertainties, including the inability to make or keep-up with rental payments and utilities.

Two years later, the pandemic continues, but a majority of the state's population is vaccinated, and the federal government and the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) have made millions of dollars of rental and utility assistance available to eligible renters and landlords. As the state's Magistrate and Metropolitan courts prepare to process rent payment eviction cases fully once again, the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts has collaborated with DFA to fund a statewide Eviction Prevention and Diversion Program (EPD). The program will directly assist landlords and tenants in eviction proceedings with rental assistance applications and processing, as well as provide for an innovative opportunity for settlement. EPD strives for the shared goals of fair compensation for the landlord and continued housing for the tenants.

It is EPD's hope that the assistance from our Navigators will help not only families and individuals, but also help the State of New Mexico avoid another protracted financial recovery, such as that New Mexico faced after the Great Recession.