ABQ Times

Renters in Albuquerque will benefit from increased protections against unsafe living conditions, following the signing of a new law by Mayor Tim Keller. This legislation, known as R-25-120, was sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn and aims to facilitate tenant reports and provide additional resources for Code Enforcement. The City Council unanimously passed the bill on March 17, 2025.

The law focuses on various tenant complaints, including inadequate heating or cooling, electrical and plumbing issues, pest infestations, and structural hazards. It acknowledges existing legal frameworks such as the New Mexico Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act and the Albuquerque Uniform Housing Code, directing the city to handle complaints more consistently, increase accountability, and improve tracking and reporting.

"This resolution is a significant step towards ensuring that our residents live in safe and healthy environments," stated Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. "By prioritizing habitability complaints and providing the necessary resources for enforcement, we are addressing systemic issues that disproportionately affect our most vulnerable community members. This is about ensuring basic human rights are met within our city."

Mayor Tim Keller commented, "No one should have to live in an unsafe rental. By adding more Code Enforcement staff and providing an easier way to report unresolved issues, renters will be able to get the help they need and hold their property managers accountable and live in safe, healthy homes."

The Albuquerque Planning Department will be instrumental in implementing these enforcement measures and will hire an additional staff member to manage the cases. Planning Department Director Alan Varela expressed support for the additional position, saying, “We welcome the additional position to help enforce these very important protections. Landlords have a duty to provide decent and functional rentals. We strongly encourage anyone experiencing problems to report them to 311 so we can help resolve the issues.”