Forms, Tools & FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What new updates have been implemented to the program?

Community Justice Workers through New Mexico Eviction Prevention and Diversion (NMEPD Referrals are being accepted for Community Justice Worker Services, through NMEPD. NMEPD’s Community Justice Workers conduct effective, culturally appropriate outreach to tenants in jeopardy of eviction due to non-payment of rent. Community Justice Workers engage tenants in empathetic, lived-experience-based assessment and action plan development. NMEPD’s focus is in on households most likely to become homeless, meaning very low-income, single mothers who are black/indigenous/people of color and their children, as well as immigrants, non-English speakers, older adults, those with disabilities or trauma. Community Justice Workers can provide informal shuttle mediation between landlords and tenants; and they can provide limited legal advice, assistance, tools, and guidance with attorney oversight. NMEPD can occasionally provide direct attorney representation.

What kind of help is available?

  • Direct assistance with rental assistance applications and backup documents ONLY for those who have been issued a summons and are in court for eviction for non-payment of rent in Santa Fe County

  • Community Justice Workers can provide limited legal advice, assistance, tools, and guidance with attorney oversight for Taos, Rio Arriba and Santa Fe Counties.

  • Connection to community resources, please call 505-216-6166 or 505-216-6505 for further information

What is the difference between a 3 day notice and an eviction notice?

When you fail to pay rent by the due date, you may receive a 3 day notice. A 3 day notice is a "grace period" of 3 days to pay the rent, and avoid court filings. If the rent goes unpaid for the remainder of those 3 days, your landlord can file in court. You will then be notified via a court summons.

How do I get in touch?

If you are in court for an eviction for non-payment of rent and need information about the status of your application:

The NMEPD program will assign a Navigator to your case and will be able to access your status. Your Navigator will then get in touch with you regarding your case.

What is our role?

Through staff with lived experience, targeted outreach, modern communication, and collaboration, we are a statewide liaison between tenants, landlords, courts, and community organizations.

What documents are needed for rental assistance applications?

  • Proof of ID

  • SSN an EIN( employer identification number) or ITIN ( Individual Taxpayer Identification number)is not required.

  • Rental Agreement/ Lease

  • Proof of income (or attestation of zero income)

  • Proof of past due rent which includes a list of what you owe from your landlord.

  • Eviction notice (if applicable)

  • Court documents (if applicable)

  • Unemployment (optional)

Does NMEPD provide hotel vouchers?

No, NMEPD does not provide hotel vouchers.

The NM Eviction Prevention website and your navigator will also have information on community resources. 

Who can I call to check on the status of my application? 

If you have a court hearing coming up and have received an eviction summons, you can call us to follow up and we will transfer you to your Navigator to check on the status of your application. You can contact us at 505-544-5205. 

How many months am I eligible for?

Up to 2 months past due, this is dependent on available funds. We do not offer future rent. You must be behind and a resident of Santa Fe County.

What if I live in Dona Ana County or Bernalillo County outside the city limits?

Doña Ana County and Bernalillo County (outside of ABQ limits) and have their own programs. NMEPD currently has rental assistance available for residents of Santa Fe County. Community Justice Worker services are available for the following counties: Santa Fe, Rio Arriba County and Taos County. Please call NMEPD at 505 216-6505 or 505-216-6166 for additional information.

What options do I have if I have previously been awarded NMEPD funds?

If you have previously been awarded NMEPD funds, you will not be eligible to apply for any type of NMEPD funding.  This might change in the future, please call us at 505-554-5205 for any updates. You can find other resources on our website at Help — NM Eviction Prevention & Diversion Program.

What options do I have ?

It is best not to wait, but to contact community services and ask for help. Accessing the services that are out there now will help in receiving additional services.

You can find other resources:

  • On our website at Help — NM Eviction Prevention & Diversion Program

  • By contacting local Homeless Agencies

  • By completing the Homeless Assessment, visit www.nmceh.org to learn more.

  • By calling 311 on your cell phone in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County; they can provide information about local resources.

  • By calling 211 on your cellphone statewide you will reach United Way: they can provide information about local resources

    SB267

    2025 Changes to the Uniform Owner Resident Relations Act (UORRA): Housing Applications Fees Law (SB267) Important: The new law SB 267 went into effect on June 20, 2025. All rental applications and listings submitted or posted on or after this date must comply with the updated regulations.

  • 1. What is SB 267? SB 267 is a state law passed in 2025 that changes New Mexico’s landlord-tenant law (the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (UORRA)) to create more fairness and transparency in the rental process. It sets limits on how much landlords can charge for application/screening fees, requires landlords to disclose fees upfront, lowers late fees, and strengthens tenant protections and remedies.

  • 2. What has to be disclosed in terms of rent/fees in the listing? Landlords must clearly list all costs of a rental agreement in any published listing of the dwelling unit. This includes the base rental cost, as well as an itemized description of all fees and charges that will be collected during the residential period. All fees should be clear and readily identifiable in the listing.

  • 3. How much can a landlord charge for application/screening fees? After June 20, 2025, landlords can only charge up to $50 per applicant for application/screening fees — the fees charged to cover background checks, credit reports, and related application costs. Prior to charging any application/screening fees, a landlord must provide you with written or digital notice of the fee and you must agree in writing to pay the fee. Once a fee is charged, the landlord must provide you with a written or digital receipt. Important: This $50 cap only applies to application/screening fees and does not limit other fees such as monthly rent, security deposits, utility fees, or optional fees like pet fees or parking. The cap is intended to reduce the upfront financial burden for renters entering housing, not to limit ongoing rental costs or other charges.

  • 4. Can I be charged multiple application/screening fees for the same property? No. If you have already paid an application/screening fee for the same property within the last 90 calendar days, the same landlord cannot charge you again for another screening report. This prevents renters from being charged the same screening fee repeatedly during a short period from the same landlord.

  • 5. What happens if my application is denied? Depending on the reason for your denial, you may be able to get your application/screening fee back. If your application is not processed or the landlord approves another applicant before they process your application, the landlord must refund your application/screening fee promptly.

  • 6. Late Fees Late fees for overdue rent are now capped at 5% of the monthly base rent, down from 10%. This helps prevent excessive penalties that can worsen financial hardship. Rent calculations to determine late fees cannot include deposits, additional fees, or utilities.

  • 7. How far in advance must landlords notify me of fee increases? In most cases, if your landlord plans to change, add, or increase fees, they must give you written notice at least 60 days before increasing any fees. For leases shorter than one month, notice must be given at least one rental period in advance. This notice period gives you time to plan.

  • 8. Can my rent payment be applied to damages or deposits? No, unless you and your landlord have a written agreement that says otherwise, your rent payments must be applied solely toward rent due. Landlords cannot deduct rent payments to cover security deposits, damage charges, or other fees without your consent.

  • 9. What can I do if my landlord breaks these laws? If your landlord does not follow SB 267 and its changes to New Mexico’s landlord-tenant law, you have the right to seek legal assistance. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit to recover fees, penalties, or damages. Local tenant advocacy groups and legal aid organizations can help you understand your rights and take action.

  • 10. Where can I get help or more information? For more information, assistance, or to report violations, contact local tenant rights organizations, legal aid services, or community housing advocates. .