Albuquerque Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Albuquerque, New Mexico?

Albuquerque, New Mexico has established a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the operation of short-term rental properties, such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The city's approach aims to strike a balance between supporting the local tourism industry and preserving the unique character of the community.

At the heart of Albuquerque's short-term rental regulations is a permitting system. All hosts looking to offer their properties for short-term rentals must obtain a permit from the city. The initial application fee for this permit is $120, with an annual renewal cost of $90. This permitting process allows the city to monitor and regulate short-term rental activity within its borders.

In addition to the permit requirement, Albuquerque has implemented several other rules that short-term rental hosts must follow. Operators are required to display a copy of their city-issued permit within the rental unit and include the permit number in any advertising or listings. They must also designate a 24/7 local contact person who can respond to issues that may arise during a guest's stay. Furthermore, hosts are mandated to post a "Good Neighbor Agreement" in the rental property, informing guests about the local rules and regulations they are expected to abide by.

From a tax perspective, short-term rental hosts in Albuquerque are responsible for collecting a 5% Lodgers' Tax and a 1% Hospitality Fee from guests for reservations of 29 nights or fewer. These taxes are in addition to the state's Gross Receipts Tax, which also applies to income generated from short-term rentals.

Albuquerque has also implemented city-wide restrictions on the short-term rental market. The city limits the total number of short-term rental permits to 1,200 citywide, helping to control the overall impact of these types of accommodations. Hosts are also subject to occupancy restrictions, with a maximum of two adults per bedroom, and event size limitations, capping gatherings at twice the overnight occupancy up to 20 people.

The enforcement of these short-term rental regulations in Albuquerque appears to be relatively strict, with fines of up to $500 per day for violations and the potential revocation of permits for repeat offenders. While some short-term rental owners have expressed concerns about the perceived restrictiveness of the rules, others have acknowledged the need to balance the interests of the tourism industry and the local community.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Albuquerque

Embarking on a short-term rental venture in Albuquerque involves navigating a regulatory framework that seeks to harmonize the demands of the tourism sector with the preservation of the city's unique charm. Hosts venturing into the short-term rental market must adhere to specific guidelines and requirements established by the city.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Albuquerque

Albuquerque mandates that all short-term rental operators secure a permit from the city. The initial permit application fee amounts to $120, with an annual renewal fee of $90. This permit serves as a crucial mechanism for the city to monitor and regulate short-term rental activities within its jurisdiction.

Required Documents for Albuquerque Short Term Rentals

In addition to obtaining the short-term rental permit, hosts are obligated to conspicuously display a copy of the permit within the rental unit and include the permit number in all promotional materials. Furthermore, hosts must appoint a 24/7 local contact person who can promptly address any issues that may arise. Additionally, hosts are required to post a "Good Neighbor Agreement" within the rental unit to inform guests about local regulations and expectations.

The required documents for short-term rentals in Albuquerque, New Mexico include:

• Proof of insurance
• Proof of payment of transient room tax
• Proof of compliance with all applicable zoning and building codes

These documents are essential for hosts operating short-term rentals in Albuquerque to ensure compliance with local regulations and tax requirements.

Albuquerque Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental hosts in Albuquerque are required to collect a 5% Lodgers' Tax and a 1% Hospitality Fee from guests for stays lasting 29 nights or fewer. These taxes are in addition to the state's Gross Receipts Tax, which applies to income generated from short-term rentals.

Albuquerque-wide Short Term Rental Rules

Albuquerque has implemented several city-wide regulations for short-term rentals to effectively manage their impact. The city restricts the number of short-term rental permits to 1,200 citywide, ensuring controlled growth of this accommodation type.

Moreover, hosts must adhere to occupancy restrictions, allowing a maximum of two adults per bedroom, and event size limitations, capping gatherings at twice the overnight occupancy up to 20 people.

Does Albuquerque Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Albuquerque appears to adopt a balanced approach to enforcing short-term rental regulations, aiming to support the tourism industry while safeguarding the city's distinctive character. While there may be resistance from some short-term rental owners, the city seems committed to upholding the rules, with penalties of up to $500 per day for violations and the potential revocation of permits for repeat offenders.

On real estate forums like Bigger Pockets, Albuquerque Airbnb hosts have shared diverse opinions regarding the city's short-term rental regulations. Some hosts have expressed concerns about the perceived restrictiveness of the rules, suggesting potential negative impacts on small business owners. Conversely, others have recognized the necessity of striking a balance between promoting tourism and preserving the city's identity.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Albuquerque

• Obtain a short-term rental permit from the city by submitting an application and paying the $120 fee.
• Designate a 24/7 local contact person to address issues promptly.
• Display a copy of the permit within the rental unit and include the permit number in all advertising.
• Post a "Good Neighbor Agreement" in the rental unit to inform guests about local rules and regulations.
• Collect the required 5% Lodgers' Tax and 1% Hospitality Fee from guests.
• Renew the permit annually for $90.
• Ensure compliance with occupancy and event size limitations.

Who to Contact in Albuquerque about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For inquiries regarding short-term rental regulations and zoning in Albuquerque, individuals can contact the City of Albuquerque's Short-Term Rental Task Force at (505) 768-3556 or via email at str@cabq.gov.

What do Airbnb Hosts in Albuquerque on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

On platforms like Bigger Pockets, Albuquerque Airbnb hosts have shared their perspectives on the city's short-term rental regulations. While some hosts have expressed frustration with what they perceive as overly restrictive rules that could hinder business profitability, others have acknowledged the importance of regulation in balancing the interests of the tourism industry and the local community.

The sentiments among Albuquerque Airbnb hosts on forums like Bigger Pockets reflect a mix of concerns about regulatory challenges and an understanding of the city's efforts to manage the impact of short-term rentals.

While some hosts may find the regulations burdensome, others recognize the necessity of maintaining a balance between supporting tourism and preserving the city's character.