Bernalillo County, NM, Reclassifies Short-Term Rentals

4/6/2026

Bernalillo County, New Mexico, has introduced a new policy reclassifying short-term rentals (STRs) as commercial properties if they are rented for fewer than 29 consecutive days. The rule applies to houses, condos, and apartments, but excludes hotels and leased apartment units. Officials say the change will bring clarity to the STR market and help increase the availability of long-term housing. County Assessor Damian Lara noted that the policy is designed to better regulate the growing number of STRs. Out of roughly 4,000 such properties recorded in 2023, about 1,000 will remain classified as STRs, and around 3,000 could shift toward long-term housing under the new system.

KOB.com (04/01/26)