Big news for New Mexico homeowners, property managers, and supporters of our
vibrant, diverse tourism sector: House Memorial 52 has just passed the New Mexico
House of Representatives with a unanimous 63-0 vote! Sponsored by Representatives
Rebecca Dow and Jonathan Henry—to whom we owe the biggest thanks—this
Memorial underscores our state’s commitment to fair, data-driven policies around short-
term rentals (STRs).
What Is House Memorial 52?
House Memorial 52 is a legislative request that:
- Calls on the Economic Development Department, Tourism Department,
Taxation and Revenue Department, Mortgage Finance Authority, NM Office
of Housing, New Mexico Short Term Rental Association, and New Mexico
Association of REALTORS® to form a workgroup to study how STRs affect
local economies, workforce housing, and beyond. - Asks county assessors to pause reclassifying short-term rental properties
from residential to nonresidential until the study is complete—giving them a
vital political “off-ramp” so they can temporarily halt reassessments and gather
accurate data before deciding on permanent changes.
This pause is crucial. It’s not a mandate, but a political pathway that allows our elected
officials—especially county assessors—to defer taxing decisions while a thorough, data-
driven study is conducted.
Why This Matters
- Protecting Homeowners
Reclassifying STRs from residential to nonresidential can lead to hefty tax hikes.
Many homeowners rely on short-term rental income to cover mortgages, property
taxes, and upkeep. House Memorial 52 requests that any changes be supported
by fair, transparent analysis. - Boosting Local Economies
From Albuquerque to Taos, Ruidoso, and Santa Fe, STRs bring visitors into
local neighborhoods that thrive on tourism. Guests dine at local restaurants, shop
in neighborhood stores, and explore nearby attractions—keeping the economic
benefits in our New Mexico communities. - Striking a Balance
Data-backed research helps policymakers draft rules that respect private
property rights while supporting the broader community—the epitome of a
win-win for New Mexico residents. - Providing a Political Off-Ramp
Because it’s non-binding, House Memorial 52 doesn’t force county assessors to
pause reassessments, but it strongly encourages them to do so. This
reasonable step back prevents potential harm to homeowners until all sides have
been studied in depth.
Unified Voices & Heartfelt Thanks
Passing House Memorial 52 is a team effort, and we at the New Mexico Short Term
Rental Association (NMSTRA) couldn’t be prouder to work alongside so many
committed advocates:
Biggest Thanks to Our Sponsors:
- Representatives Rebecca Dow and Jonathan Henry, whose dedication to fair STR policy made this unanimous vote possible.
- New Mexico Association of REALTORS®: Special recognition to David Saavedra, Joshua Price, Brent Moore, Kent Cravens, Ashley Strauss-Martin, and the NMAR Legislative Committee for spotlighting how STRs intersect with the broader housing market.
- House Commerce & Economic Development Committee: For recognizing the value of STRs to the state’s tourism economy and thoroughly supporting HM52.
- Expert Witness, Carl Vidal: Brought real-world data, insights, and analysis that clearly showed how STRs strengthen local businesses and communities.
Where Do We Go from Here?
While House Memorial 52 isn’t a formal law, its unanimous passage sends a strong
signal: New Mexicans want well-informed, balanced STR policies.
The next step is for the designated workgroup—including NMSTRA, state agencies,
and other stakeholders—to assess how short-term rentals affect taxes, housing
availability, and local economies. They’ll present their findings by the Memorial’s
deadline to inform any future binding legislation.
Until then, the Memorial encourages county assessors to pause property
reclassifications so everyone has the time and breathing room needed for the fairest
possible outcome.
Join the Celebration—And Join NMSTRA!
Here at the New Mexico Short Term Rental Association, we’re thrilled to see House
Memorial 52 pass with such overwhelming support. Whether you’re a homeowner, a
traveler, or a property manager, this Memorial represents progress built on
pragmatism, fairness, and collaborative dialogue.
But our work has just begun. We need your help to continue advocating for responsible
STR policies. By joining NMSTRA, you become part of a proactive community that’s
shaping the future of short-term rentals in New Mexico.
Become a member today:
newmexicostra.org/join/
Stay tuned as the study moves forward. We’ll keep you updated on the workgroup’s
findings and any new developments. Thank you for standing with us to protect
homeowners, encourage local tourism, and celebrate the unique culture that makes our
state so special!