Imagine up to $50,000 for your goals or unexpected needs, directly in your account, without the wait.
Apply Now & Get Fast Funding!
On this page:
For New Mexico residents facing housing instability, securing rent relief is a critical concern. While the large-scale, pandemic-era New Mexico Home Fund and the statewide Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) are no longer accepting new applications, a network of vital support systems remains active.
Financial assistance, housing stability services, and crucial eviction prevention programs are available through various local, non-profit, and specialized channels. The landscape of aid has shifted from a single, centralized source to a more complex system requiring careful navigation. The following sections provide a clear and direct map to the specific resources available based on location, individual circumstances, and the urgency of the situation.
The closure of the statewide rental assistance portal marked a significant change in how aid is distributed. The responsibility has largely decentralized, with key counties and municipalities managing their own distinct programs. This means the first step for a resident seeking immediate financial help for rent or utilities is to identify the correct local authority based on their physical address.
Assistance in Bernalillo County (For Residents Outside Albuquerque City Limits)
The primary program for residents in unincorporated Bernalillo County has been the BernCo Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) Assistance Program.
Program Status
It is essential for residents to know that the initial, large-scale federal funding for this program, provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was fully expended as of April 2024. However, program documentation indicates a framework designed to operate through September 2025, suggesting it may be reactivated as new funding streams become available.
Recent state-level investments in housing and homelessness projects may provide resources for such programs in the near future. Residents should contact the county directly for the most current information on program activity.
Eligibility (Based on Last Known Criteria)
To qualify for the BernCo RENT program when it is active, applicants must meet several conditions.
How to Get Information and Apply
For the most up-to-date status on the BernCo RENT program, residents should use the following official contact points.
Assistance in Doña Ana County
Doña Ana County operates its own Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which is entirely separate from any past or present statewide initiatives. This program serves all eligible residents within the county, including those in Las Cruces, Sunland Park, Anthony, Hatch, and Mesilla.
Program Status
The program is administered directly by the county. At times, the official county website for the program has been inaccessible, and operational disruptions have been noted. The most effective way for residents to get accurate, up-to-the-minute information is through direct contact with the program office.
Eligibility (Based on Last Known Criteria)
Key requirements for the Doña Ana County ERAP include:
How to Get Information and Apply
Given the potential for online access issues, residents are strongly encouraged to use the following direct contact methods to inquire about program status, eligibility, and the application process.
Assistance in the City of Albuquerque
Renters living within the city limits of Albuquerque have access to a dedicated emergency assistance program operated by the city's Health, Housing & Homelessness (HHH) Department. This program is distinct from the one offered by Bernalillo County for its unincorporated areas.
Program Details
The Health & Social Service Centers Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program is designed to help city renters with unpaid rent and utilities if they are at risk of eviction or utility shut-off. It is important to note that funding is limited, and all services are provided based on the availability of funds.
How to Get Information and Apply
To access this assistance, residents must contact the Health & Social Service Center located closest to their home. Staff at these centers are knowledgeable about available programs and can help connect individuals to the best-fit solution.
Beyond immediate, location-based emergency funds, New Mexico supports a broader infrastructure of programs focused on preventing homelessness and promoting long-term housing stability. These programs often involve more than a one-time payment, incorporating case management and other supportive services. They are typically administered by the state's primary housing agency or established non-profit organizations.
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) / Housing New Mexico
The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA), often operating under the name Housing New Mexico, serves as the state's quasi-governmental housing agency. It administers a wide array of federal and state programs aimed at creating and preserving affordable housing. While MFA does not provide direct financial assistance to renters, it funds a critical network of local service providers that do.
Key Renter-Focused Program
The primary MFA-funded initiative for residents in crisis is the Emergency Solutions Grant/HOME-ARP Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention Program. This program's goal is to provide short- and medium-term rental assistance to individuals and families who are currently experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. The focus is on regaining stability and reducing the likelihood of future housing crises.
How to Access MFA-Funded Programs
To receive help through this program, residents must contact one of the designated non-profit service providers that MFA partners with in their region. Key providers across the state include:
Key Non-Profit Support Services
Several statewide and regional non-profit organizations are on the front lines of providing housing assistance and eviction prevention services.
HELP New Mexico, Inc.
This organization offers a range of housing services, including direct Housing Payment Assistance, Eviction Prevention Services, Housing Placement, and Rapid Rehousing. They prioritize services for families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. For assistance, contact HELP New Mexico at (505) 265-3717 or visit their website at helpnm.org.
Catholic Charities of New Mexico
In addition to its role as an MFA service provider, Catholic Charities operates its own Rental Assistance Program (RAP) for residents of Bernalillo County. This program is intensive, providing up to 11 months of rental assistance along with case management and life skills education.
The Salvation Army
Local branches of The Salvation Army may offer emergency rental and utility assistance. However, this support is entirely dependent on the availability of funds at any given time.
New Mexico's social safety net recognizes that housing instability is often interconnected with other life challenges, particularly those related to health. As a result, the state has developed specialized programs that link housing assistance directly to specific needs, treating stable housing as a critical component of overall well-being.
Support for Residents with Behavioral Health Needs
For individuals facing housing crises while also managing significant health conditions, targeted support is available.
Move-In Assistance and Eviction Prevention Program (MIAEP)
This program assists households where the applicant or a dependent has a diagnosed and documented serious mental illness or a co-occurring substance use disorder. MIAEP provides grants of up to $1,000 for rent, damage deposits, utility deposits, or other housing-related costs. To be eligible, the applicant must be homeless or at risk of homelessness and actively engaged in behavioral health services.
This program is delivered through a network of providers across the state. For referrals and information, contact the New Mexico Human Services Department customer service line at 1-800-283-4465.
Fresh Start Rental Assistance Program
This program offers more substantial financial support for individuals with a diagnosed and documented Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. Contracted providers can grant qualifying individuals up to $10,000 or 9 months of rental assistance, whichever comes first. Eligibility is restricted to individuals currently receiving behavioral health services, recovery services, or Medication-Assisted Treatment.
General Financial Aid for Housing Costs
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in New Mexico, known as NM Works, provides monthly cash benefits to low-income families. These funds are intended to help meet basic needs, which explicitly include housing, utilities, and clothing. While not a dedicated rent relief fund, these benefits can be a crucial source of income for maintaining housing. To learn more, contact the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) Help Line at 1-800-432-6217.
Resources for Tribal Members
Many of New Mexico's Pueblo and Tribal governments received direct federal funding to operate their own emergency rental assistance programs for their members and eligible residents. These programs are administered independently and have their own specific eligibility criteria and application processes. For Native American renters, the first and most appropriate point of contact for housing assistance is their specific tribal government or its tribally designated housing entity.
In New Mexico, the focus of housing stability efforts has increasingly expanded beyond direct financial aid to include robust legal support and eviction prevention services. The understanding is that preventing an eviction through legal intervention and mediation is often more effective and sustainable than addressing homelessness after the fact. For a tenant who receives an eviction notice, time is of the essence, and seeking legal help is the most critical first step.
Immediate Steps if You Receive an Eviction Notice
Receiving a notice from a landlord can be alarming, but it is not an eviction order. It is the start of a legal process, and tenants have rights and resources available to them.
2. Second Step - Seek Legal Counsel: New Mexico's eviction timelines can be very short, sometimes allowing only a few days to respond to a notice or prepare for court. It is imperative to seek free or low-cost legal advice immediately to understand and protect one's rights.
Accessing Free and Low-Cost Legal Counsel
A network of non-profit organizations across New Mexico provides legal assistance to tenants facing housing issues.
| Organization Name | Contact Information | Primary Community Served |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Legal Aid | 1-833-LGL-HELP (1-833-545-4357) | Low-income New Mexicans statewide. |
| Senior Citizens' Law Office | (505) 265-2300 | Residents aged 60 and older in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, and Torrance counties. |
| Legal Resources for the Elderly Program | 1-800-876-6657 | New Mexico residents aged 55 and older statewide. |
| NM Immigrant Law Center | (505) 247-1023 | Low-income members of the immigrant community. |
| Modest Means Helpline | (505) 797-6013 or 888-857-9935 | Individuals who are over-income for Legal Aid but cannot afford a private attorney. |
Key Protections Under the Owner-Resident Relations Act
All renters in New Mexico are protected by the state's Owner-Resident Relations Act. Understanding these fundamental rights is empowering when navigating a dispute with a landlord.
The Legal Eviction Process
A landlord cannot legally remove a tenant or their belongings from a property without a court order. The process requires the landlord to first provide the tenant with a written notice (e.g., a three-day notice for non-payment of rent). If the issue is not resolved, the landlord must then file a case in court and win a judgment for restitution.
Security Deposits
Landlords are required to return a tenant's security deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out. If any portion of the deposit is withheld for damages, the landlord must provide a detailed, itemized list of the deductions. A landlord cannot legally deduct for normal wear and tear on the property.
Landlord's Responsibility to Maintain the Property
Landlords have a legal obligation to keep the rental property safe and livable. This includes maintaining electrical, plumbing, and heating systems in good working order and providing running water. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after receiving written notice from the tenant, the tenant may have legal grounds to terminate the lease or seek other remedies.
Retaliatory Eviction
It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against a tenant by raising rent, decreasing services, or attempting to evict them simply because the tenant has requested necessary repairs or reported a code violation to a government agency. This is known as a "retaliatory eviction" and is unlawful. For a detailed overview of tenant rights, New Mexico Legal Aid publishes an extensive Renter's Guide, which can be found at www.lawhelpnewmexico.org.
The system for obtaining New Mexico rent relief has evolved. The single, large-scale programs of the past have been replaced by a decentralized network of local, non-profit, and specialized resources. While this landscape is more complex, a significant amount of support remains available for residents facing financial hardship and housing instability.
Success in securing assistance now depends on identifying the correct program based on one's specific location and circumstances. The path forward requires prompt, informed action, and the urgency of the situation dictates the appropriate first step:
Navigating this system can feel daunting, but resources are in place to help. By taking these targeted first steps, New Mexico residents can access the support needed to achieve and maintain housing stability.
No, the statewide Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) that operated during the pandemic is permanently closed. Federal funds for this program were fully expended. The state's focus has now shifted from temporary emergency relief to investing in more permanent, long-term housing stability solutions for residents.
Yes. Many local organizations that provide housing support, such as the Salvation Army and HELP New Mexico, also offer separate utility assistance programs. Additionally, New Mexico’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can provide direct help with heating and cooling costs for eligible households.
Not always, but it is often a requirement for emergency programs. Many non-profits and eviction prevention programs prioritize tenants with a pending court date or a formal eviction notice from their landlord. Always check the specific eligibility criteria for the organization you are applying to.
While there isn't one single statewide program for seniors, organizations like the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department can connect seniors with local resources. Additionally, the Senior Citizens’ Law Office provides legal assistance specifically related to housing and tenancy issues for eligible older residents.
Yes, your landlord’s participation is almost always required. Assistance payments are typically made directly to the landlord to ensure the funds are applied to your rental balance. The applying agency will need to coordinate with your landlord to verify the amount owed and arrange payment.
Eligibility varies by program. While federally funded programs may require a social security number for at least one household member, some community-based or privately funded organizations may have more flexible documentation requirements. It is best to inquire directly with the specific agency for their policy.
Tribal members may be eligible for housing assistance through their specific tribal government or the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Programs like the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) provide federal funds to tribes for a range of housing needs, which can include emergency rental support.
Most programs have limitations on the frequency and total amount of assistance a household can receive within a specific timeframe, such as once every 12 or 24 months. This policy ensures that limited funds can be distributed to assist the greatest number of people in need.
Yes, some organizations offer security deposit assistance as part of their homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing services. Programs offered by the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority and various local non-profits may provide funds to help eligible households secure new, stable housing.
If you are denied assistance, immediately ask the agency for the reason in writing. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation. You should also promptly contact New Mexico Legal Aid or another eviction prevention service to understand your rights and explore other options.
Navigating the complexities of healthcare coverage can be daunting, especially when it comes to essential needs like hearing aids. Discover the truth about Medicare and hearing aid coverage, and learn how you can access the solutions you deserve to improve your hearing health and overall quality of life.
Ever found yourself at the Walmart checkout, iPhone in hand, only to realize Apple Pay isn't an option? While the retail giant has embraced other contactless payment methods, the reason behind their Apple Pay exclusion might surprise you.
The high cost of moving should never be a barrier to securing a safer home or pursuing a new opportunity. A moving grant for low-income households provides the critical financial support that can transform a stressful relocation into a manageable reality.