Short-Term Rental FAQ

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about short-term rentals.

Short Term Rental FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Short Term Rentals (STR).

General Contact Information

Questions about the STR Permit website, setting up an account, or getting an activation code: [email protected] or 888-751-1911
Questions about how to apply for an STR Permit or regarding a pending STR Permit: [email protected] or 505-924-3450
Questions about Business Licensing: [email protected] or 505-924-3890
Questions about remitting and/or reporting Lodger’s Taxes and Hospitality Fees: [email protected] or 505-768-3309

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What is a Short Term Rental (STR)?

A Short-Term Rental (STR) is a dwelling unit, or a portion of a dwelling unit, that is rented to guests for stays of less than 29 consecutive days. STRs may include entire homes, individual rooms, or accessory dwelling units (such as casitas), when allowed by zoning and approved by the City.

Why do I have to get an STR Permit?

A valid City of Albuquerque STR Permit is required before advertising or renting a property for short-term stays. Operating an STR without a Permit is a violation and may result in enforcement action, fines, and possible prohibition from future STR operation.

What does the STR Permit require, and how much does it cost?

A valid Business License;
A floor plan of the STR Unit;
An acknowledgment that the owner and operator will comply with all applicable City ordinances;
A “Good Neighbor Agreement” that will be posted inside each unit to inform guests of applicable City Ordinances (like noise, litter, parking);
A limitation on overnight STR occupancy to 2 adults (over 12 years old) per bedroom, plus 2 additional occupants;
Proof of STR insurance coverage;
A limit on gatherings to no more than two times the maximum overnight occupancy, and no more than 20 persons total; and
A requirement for gatherings of more than the overnight occupancy to disperse by 10:00 pm local time

The STR Permit comes with a fee of $120 (first year) and an annual renewal fee of $90 (second and following years).

What is the expected turnaround time to process an STR Permit once I've submitted my application?

Once a User Account is opened on the STR permitting website, an STR Permit applicant can submit their application materials over a period of time. Once the application has all of the materials submitted, an STR Permit is usually approved in 5-7 business days. In some cases, processing times may vary depending on application completeness and volume.

Do I need to get a Business License and an STR Permit?

Yes. An STR Permit requires a valid City Business License. STR Permit applications and Business License applications may be started concurrently.

To obtain a STR Permit

STR Permit Website: https://albuquerque.munirevs.com/

To obtain a Business License

You can apply online on the Planning Department website by logging into ABQ-PLAN, the City’s permitting and licensing portal.

Do I need a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number (NMBTIN) for my Business License? And how can I obtain one?

An STR Permit requires a valid City Business License, which in turn requires NMBTIN.

You can obtain an NMBTIN through the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/Businesses

How do I go about finding the User Account number and activation code for a property in order to apply for an STR Permit?

For new User Accounts: your User Account number and activation codes will be provided during account creation. Select “New user? Register here!” on the STR Permit webpage.

https://albuquerque.munirevs.com/

For existing User Accounts or issues: contact the STR Vendor (MuniRevs) who assigns the User Account numbers and activation codes. Contact [email protected] with the property address.

I have multiple properties. Do I need multiple User Accounts?

No, you can combine multiple STR Permits into one User Account. However, you do need an STR Permit and Business License for each property/ unit.

Do I need more than one STR Permit if I have multiple units?

Yes, you need an STR Permit for each unit you are renting, even if they are at the same location. The STR Ordinance defines a unit as one or more rooms with a kitchen.

Is the insurance provided by Airbnb or VRBO sufficient?

The City requires STR insurance coverage for each Short Term Rental Unit (STRU) in the minimum amount of $250,000 per STRU to insure against damages to guest(s) caused by the Short Term Rental Operator (STRO), and to insure against damages caused by STRO guest(s) or the STRO when such damages are incurred by other persons, including, but not limited to, neighbors. The applicant will need to verify if the insurance provided meets the criteria, upload the proof of coverage, and the location of the property that is insured.

How is the maximum overnight occupancy calculated?

The maximum overnight occupancy is 2 people per bedroom plus a general allowance of two. This recognizes the potential use of a pull-out couch. For example, the maximum overnight occupancy for a two-bedroom unit is 6 people. An overnight occupant is a person over 12 years old.

If I usually rent my unit longer than 29 days, but occasionally rent it for less than 29 days, do I need an STR Permit?

Yes, you need an STR Permit and Business License for any unit rented for 29 days or less.

How technical does my floor plan have to be?

Floor plans may be hand-drawn or created digitally and must clearly depict room layout to include bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, fire safety equipment, exits, and square footage.

I pay my Lodger’s Tax and hospitality fees via Airbnb and or VRBO, do I also need to report this?

Yes, even though your Lodger’s Tax and fees are remitted via Airbnb and/ or VRBO, you will still need to report every month by the 25^th for the previous month using the tax form illustrated below. Even when a hosting platform remits Lodger’s Tax on your behalf, operators are still required to file a monthly tax report with the City. You will need to fill in the following amounts for the lines highlighted in yellow:

A Lodgers Tax and Hospitality Fee sheet

If you have questions, please email [email protected]

How do I report a problem with an STR property?

You may file a complaint by contacting 311 or calling the 24-hour STR hotline at 505-465-7710.

By Phone: Call 311 (within city limits) or 505-768-2000.

Mobile App: Download the ABQ311 app.

Website: Submit requests directly through the Online 311 Services website.

I think my neighbor is operating an unpermitted STR. How do I report the property?

You can check the STR Permit map at the link www.cabq.gov/STRpermitmap

If the location does not have an STR Permit, you can report an unpermitted STR to 311 or the 24-hour STR hotline at 505-465-7710.

The hotline will check whether the STR has a valid Permit. If the STR is registered and there are concerns about the property, the hotline will reach out to the STRO to address the concerns. If the property does not have an STR Permit, the hotline will contact Code Enforcement to begin communications with the property owner.

How can I find out if a home in my neighborhood is a Short-Term Rental?

You can check the STR Permit map at the link www.cabq.gov/STRpermitmap