The bill amends the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act in New Mexico to increase the notice period for nonpayment of rent from three days to ten days. Specifically, if rent is unpaid when due, the owner must provide written notice of nonpayment and their intention to terminate the rental agreement. The resident then has ten days to pay the full amount due before the owner can terminate the agreement and seek possession of the dwelling unit. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if the resident has a valid defense related to domestic violence, the court may not issue a writ of restitution, allowing for protections for victims in eviction proceedings.

Other amendments include specifying that the owner must provide detailed written notice of any breaches of the rental agreement, including the nature of the breach and the timeline for remedying it. The bill also introduces defenses for residents in eviction actions, such as being a victim of domestic violence or not being aware of a substantial violation committed by another person. Furthermore, it establishes penalties for frivolous or bad faith actions brought by the petitioner in possession cases. Overall, the bill aims to enhance tenant protections and ensure fair processes in landlord-tenant relationships.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 47-8-1, 47-8-33