City Introduces Renters' Bill of Rights to Protect Tenants

The City of Albuquerque is taking action to protect renters with the Renter’s Empowerment and Neighborhood Transparency (RENT) Ordinance. If passed, it would give renters stronger rights and make rental housing more fair and transparent across the city.

Right now, 44% of Albuquerque households are renters, and more than half of them are rent-burdened, meaning they spend over 30% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. Many renters face confusing fees, unclear leases, or live in poorly maintained homes. The RENT Ordinance is designed to change that.

“Renters deserve clear information, safe homes, and protection from exploitation — nothing less,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This renters' bill of rights is how we show that Albuquerque stands up for working families, seniors, and everyone who calls a rental home."

The RENT Ordinance builds on the requirements outlined in the state’s Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act and provides enhanced rules for landlords, helping renters avoid unfair fees, confusing leases, and poor living conditions.

“Feeling securely housed shouldn't be just for people who can afford to buy a home,” said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, who is sponsoring the bill at the request of the administration. “Renters shouldn’t need a lawyer to understand their lease. The RENT Ordinance lays out clear rights and responsibilities so people can feel secure in their homes.”

Some key provisions of the RENT Ordinance include:

• Require landlords to be upfront and clear about the rental application process, including what could disqualify someone, using plain language.
• Make all costs transparent, so renters know exactly what they’re paying for: base rent, fees, and any charges before or during the lease.
• Create a fairer application process, where landlords must review applications in the order they’re received: first-come, first-served.
• Ensure landlords accept all types of rent payment, and ban fees for paying rent online.
• Stop landlords from charging “pet rent” or banning pets unfairly.
• Hold landlords accountable if they don’t maintain rental properties — renters may be eligible for relocation assistance if housing isn’t up to legal standards.
• Require landlords to register their rentalswith the City, including contact info and basic details about each unit.