Mayor Signs City Council Resolution Enhancing Enforcement of Rental Unit Habitability Standards

ALBUQUERQUE - Renters in Albuquerque will now have stronger protections against unsafe living conditions thanks to a new law sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn and signed by Mayor Tim Keller on Thursday. R-25-120, will make it easier for tenants to report problems and get the help they need, as well as add resources for Code Enforcement. The bill passed unanimously at the City Council Meeting on March 17, 2025.

R-25-120 prioritizes tenant complaints regarding unsafe living conditions, such as lack of functioning heating or cooling, electrical and plumbing problems, pest infestations, and structural hazards among others. The resolution acknowledges existing City and State laws, including the New Mexico Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (UORRA), and the Albuquerque Uniform Housing Code (UHC), mandate that property owners maintain habitable living conditions. The resolution directs the City to address complaints more consistently, establish accountability, and to track and report results.

"This resolution is a significant step towards ensuring that our residents live in safe and healthy environments," said Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. "By prioritizing habitability complaints and providing the necessary resources for enforcement, we are addressing systemic issues that disproportionately affect our most vulnerable community members. This is about ensuring basic human rights are met within our city."

"No one should have to live in an unsafe rental," said Mayor Tim Keller. "By adding more Code Enforcement staff and providing an easier way to report unresolved issues, renters will be able to get the help they need and hold their property managers accountable and live in safe, healthy homes."

The Albuquerque Planning Department will play a crucial role in implementing these enhanced enforcement measures, including hiring an additional position to handle these cases.  The Planning Department’s prioritization and timely response to all rental housing complaints related to habitability issues are improved by this resolution.

“We welcome the additional position to help enforce these very important protections,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “Landlords have a duty to provide decent and functional rentals.  We strongly encourage anyone experiencing problems to report them to 311 so we can help resolve the issues.