More Protections for Renters in Albuquerque

Renters in Albuquerque have more protections thanks to two ordinances that passed City Council last night. Mayor Tim Keller called for the “Manufactured Home Community Stability and Empowerment Ordinance” to give those who live in manufactured home communities the opportunity to organize and buy the land that they live on. The administration also supported a bill sponsored by Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn to require cooling systems in homes in Albuquerque.

The manufactured housing bill creates framework for residents of manufactured home communities to have the opportunity to purchase their land when the property owners intend to sell, lease, or transfer ownership.

“We know some of our most vulnerable residents at risk of becoming unhoused live in manufactured home communities, and we’re stepping up to help prevent them from becoming homeless,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Folks living in manufactured home communities will now get a fair shot at owning the land under their homes if it’s up for sale, so they aren’t priced out of their houses.”

“I'm proud of my bill, O-59, and Councilor Rogers' bill, O-52, that were passed by the City Council last night,” said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. “Both provide basic protections to some of our lowest-income community members. Basic necessities like cooling in rental units and maintaining housing in manufactured home parks are important to keep everyone in our community healthy and safe.“

The cooling requirement bill changes Albuquerque's Uniform Housing Code and now requires swap cooling or air conditioning units in all residences in the city.

“We’ve long agreed that heating is essential, and now in Albuquerque—as temperatures continue to rise in summer months—having air conditioning is guaranteed necessity, too,” said Mayor Tim Keller.