Albuquerque is adding an extra layer of protection to the city’s renters. Mayor Tim Keller signed a new ordinance on Wednesday, July 15, to strengthen rental housing standards. The measure targets dangerous living conditions and holds landlords with repeated housing code violations more accountable.
The Rental Unit Habitability Enforcement Ordinance establishes a faster response process for violations that threaten residents’ health or safety. It covers issues, such as the lack of heat, cooling, running water, ventilation, or safe exits, according to KOAT Action News.
Property owners must correct serious violations within 72 hours or submit a city-approved repair plan with a completion timeline.
The ordinance imposes financial penalties on landlords who fail to comply.
Owners who fail to resolve serious habitability issues on time may face fines of up to $500 per day. Landlords who accumulate multiple habitability violations within a year face additional penalties.
Additionally, landlords must pay for temporary housing if repairs lasting over seven days make rental units unsafe to occupy.
If owners fail to arrange relocation, the city can relocate affected tenants. It can recover the costs through legal means, including property liens, the report said.
City officials said they will prioritize enforcement of life-safety complaints. Residents are urged to document unsafe housing conditions and notify their landlords. They should contact 311 if the problems remain unresolved.
