New Mexico Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
N.M. Stat. §47-8-18 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages under N.M. Stat. §47-8-18(D).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1 month rent (for leases under 1 year); no limit for longer leases
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $10,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord must provide itemized written statement of deductions
- Deposit limited to 1 month rent for leases under 1 year
What Your New Mexico Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from New Mexico's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
N.M. Stat. §47-8-18 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
tenant may recover actual damages — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
New Mexico Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in New Mexico?
Under N.M. Stat. §47-8-18, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my New Mexico landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages under N.M. Stat. §47-8-18(D). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in New Mexico?
Under N.M. Stat. §47-8-18(A), the maximum security deposit in New Mexico is 1 month rent (for leases under 1 year); no limit for longer leases.
Does my New Mexico landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. New Mexico law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico small claims court handles cases up to $10,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in New Mexico?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a New Mexico-specific demand letter citing N.M. Stat. §47-8-18 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.