✦ Free reference · No login · Verified against the official statute

New Mexico security deposit law

How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit in New Mexico, the deadline to return it after move-out, and the statute that controls — verified June 7, 2026.

Best-effort summary, verified June 7, 2026. Statutes change and often use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the linked statute or a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice.
Maximum deposit
1 month of rent
Return deadline
30 days
Controlling statute

Maximum security deposit in New Mexico

1 month of rent (for leases under 1 year); no fixed cap for leases of 1 year or more, but interest must be paid on amounts over 1 month. Failure to provide statement in 30 days forfeits right to withhold; $250 bad-faith civil penalty.

Returning the deposit

30 days (itemized written list of deductions + balance, from termination or departure, whichever is later). Read N.M. Stat. Ann. § 47-8-18 for the exact triggers, itemization requirements, and penalties for late or bad-faith withholding.

Compare with other states

See the full sortable table in our free security deposit limits by state tool, or jump to another state below.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in New Mexico?

1 month of rent (for leases under 1 year); no fixed cap for leases of 1 year or more, but interest must be paid on amounts over 1 month. Failure to provide statement in 30 days forfeits right to withhold; $250 bad-faith civil penalty. This is a best-effort summary verified against the official statute (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 47-8-18) on June 7, 2026 — always confirm with the current law or an attorney.

When must a landlord return a security deposit in New Mexico?

30 days (itemized written list of deductions + balance, from termination or departure, whichever is later). See N.M. Stat. Ann. § 47-8-18 for the exact conditions and any itemization requirements.

What statute governs security deposits in New Mexico?

N.M. Stat. Ann. § 47-8-18. The official text is published by the state at https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4385/index.do.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page is a best-effort summary compiled from primary legal authority and verified on June 7, 2026. Statutes change, and many states use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.

Track every New Mexico deposit automatically

Hatchkeep records each tenant's security deposit, ties it to the lease, and keeps your return deadlines and itemized deductions in one place. Free for 50 properties and unlimited units — no credit card.

Start free — 50 properties and unlimited units

Free plan · No credit card required · Cancel any time

Security deposit law in every state

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia

Free reference by Hatchkeep — property management software, free for 50 properties and unlimited units. Related tools: late fee calculator · rent receipt generator · move-in/move-out checklist