Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara announced on March 31 the reclassification of short-term rental properties and the creation of a new policy aimed at supporting available housing in the metro area.
The changes are intended to increase long-term housing options by shifting certain properties from residential to non-residential status, following state statute. This move affects houses, condos, or apartments rented for fewer than 29 consecutive nights but does not include leased apartments or hotels.
When Lara took office in January 2023, about 4,000 properties were considered short-term rentals. After a detailed review completed in 2025, approximately 1,000 of these were reclassified as short-term rentals while around 3,000 remained unchanged and are now available for long-term use. The county’s new short-term rental policy is described as the first of its kind in New Mexico and could serve as a model for other counties across the state.
Property owners retain their right to protest reclassifications. In background information provided by the Office of the Assessor, it was noted that “in 2025, 138 short-term rental protests went before the Bernalillo County Protest Board,” an independent body that hears appeals on property assessments. The board ruled in favor of the assessor’s office in most cases: “The board ruled in favor of the Office of the Assessor in 80% of the protested short-term rental cases… In 17% of cases, settlements were reached with property owners prior to protest hearings. Only 3% were reversed by the Protest Board and were appealed by the Office of the Assessor for further consideration.” Relevant documents including policies and questionnaires are available on www.BernCo.gov/Assessor.
Meanwhile, issues related to public safety continue to draw attention locally. The District Attorney of Bernalillo County has raised concerns over suspects being released without GPS monitors when they are supposed to have one. One case cited involved Jawid Yaqubi who was accused of aggravated assault after allegedly firing a gun at his mother’s home; despite efforts from prosecutors to keep him detained until trial, he was released by a judge according to local reports.
As Bernalillo County moves forward with its updated approach toward housing classification and policy guidance statewide, officials say these steps will help address both affordable housing needs and regulatory clarity.
