New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help for people with low income. Phone intake Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 1 pm, or apply online.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/contact-us
No cost Legal and Tenant Help in New Mexico: Evictions, Deposits and Repairs
How to get free legal help in New Mexico, what to do with an eviction notice, how to get your security deposit back, and how to ask for repairs.
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Hi friend. If your landlord gave you a notice or kept your deposit, you have rights in New Mexico. Free legal help is here, and acting fast can make a big difference.
Quick answers
How do I get free legal help?
Call New Mexico Legal Aid at 833 545 4357, Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 1 pm. You can also apply online any time. Their housing team handles evictions, with priority for people in subsidized housing.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/contact-us
My landlord says I'm behind on rent. How much time do I have?
For unpaid rent, the landlord must give you a written 3 day notice. If you pay what you owe in those 3 days, you can stay. If not, the landlord may go to court. Subsidized housing may have different timelines.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/file_download/1dd14e06-3393-4e84-83fc-037dbee2170f
When do I get my security deposit back?
The landlord must return your deposit, or send you a list of deductions, within 30 days after you move out. If they miss that deadline, you are owed the full deposit. If a judge finds the landlord kept it in bad faith, the judge must add a 250 dollar penalty.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/file_download/1dd14e06-3393-4e84-83fc-037dbee2170f
My home needs repairs. What can I do?
Always ask for repairs in writing, like a letter, email or text, and keep a copy. If the landlord does not fix it within 7 days after notice, you may be able to pay less rent. Talk to New Mexico Legal Aid before you hold back any rent.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/file_download/1dd14e06-3393-4e84-83fc-037dbee2170f
Can my landlord evict me for reporting problems?
No. If you report problems to code enforcement and the landlord tries to evict you for it, that is illegal. This protection applies when you are following your own lease.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/file_download/1dd14e06-3393-4e84-83fc-037dbee2170f
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Bunkly tip: if you get court papers, go to your hearing. Showing up gives you the chance to tell your side.
Who to call in New Mexico
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
New Mexico Legal Aid, Housing Law
Helps with evictions, Section 8 voucher terminations, mobile home park problems and housing issues tied to domestic violence.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/what-we-do/programs-services/housing-law.html
New Mexico Legal Aid 2025 Renters Guide
Plain guide to deposits, notices, repairs and your rights. Available in English and Spanish.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/resources.html
New Mexico Courts HelpLine
Call with questions about court forms and how court works.
Official page: nmcourts.gov/forms-files/domestic-violence
New Mexico Legal Aid, Veterans Legal Services
Free help for veterans who qualify, including landlord and tenant problems.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/what-we-do/programs-services/veterans-law.html
New Mexico Legal Aid DV, Sexual Assault and Stalking Helpline
Free legal information for survivors, including housing. Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Official page: newmexicolegalaid.org/what-we-do/programs-services/victim-services-familylaw.html
More help in New Mexico
Housing help in New Mexico (rent, eviction, utilities)Where to Start for No cost Help in New Mexico: 211, SNAP, Medicaid and 988Emergency Shelter Tonight in New Mexico: Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las CrucesNo cost Food Help in New Mexico: SNAP, Senior Food Boxes and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in New MexicoNo cost Job Help in New Mexico: Unemployment, Job Centers and Job TrainingNo cost Health and Mental Health Help in New Mexico: Medicaid, Clinics and Crisis LinesNo cost Domestic Violence Help in New Mexico: Hotlines, Protection Orders and Safe HousingNo cost Help for Veterans in New Mexico: Housing, Crisis Line and BenefitsNo cost Help for Youth and Young Adults in New Mexico: Safe Places, Crisis Lines and Legal HelpGetting ID and Documents Back in New Mexico: MVD ID Card, Birth Certificate and Social Security CardNo cost and Low cost Phone and Internet Help in New Mexico: Lifeline and State ProgramsHow to Make Blessing Bags in New Mexico: Safe Food, Water and Weather Tips
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.