Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Albuquerque, NM allows short-term rentals — commonly listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO — subject to local regulations that have evolved significantly since 2015. Hosts must register with the city (STR permit — Planning Department collects STR permit fee of $120 for each initial permit, and $90 for renewals thereafter) before listing their property. Albuquerque regulates STRs to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood quality of life. Key rules cover primary residence requirements, nightly limits, occupancy caps, and tax collection obligations. Hosts who operate without required registration or in violation of city rules face substantial fines. Below are the current registration requirements, rules, platform-specific notes, and penalties for Albuquerque.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Registration Required: STR permit — Planning Department collects STR permit fee of $120 for each initial permit, and $90 for renewals thereafter. Registration fee: varies. Annual renewal: annually. Register through the local building department or local planning department. Your registration number must be displayed on all platform listings. Failure to register before hosting is a violation subject to fines.

Registration Type

STR permit — Planning Department collects STR permit fee of $120 for each initial permit, and $90 for renewals thereafter · Verified June 4, 2026 · Source

Registration Fee

$150

Annual Renewal

$150

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Albuquerque beyond standard property codes.

• •STR license required for all rentals of 30 days or fewer
• •Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs are allowed with license
• •License number must be displayed on all booking platform listings
• •Noise ordinance compliance required — Albuquerque quiet hours apply
• •Maximum occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
• •Safety equipment required: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher
• •City Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) and New Mexico Lodgers Tax must be collected
• •Designated local contact required to respond within 1 hour

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Albuquerque are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

• ⚠$500–$1,500 fine per day for operating without a license
• ⚠$500 fine for noise, safety, or occupancy violations
• ⚠License revocation for repeat violations

Frequently Asked Questions