Security Deposit Interest in New Mexico: (to be verified) - (2026)
New Mexico requires interest only in one scenario: under an ANNUAL rental agreement, if the deposit exceeds one month's rent, the owner must pay … Calculator, statute citation, Last Verified date o
Quick answer
Yes — New Mexico requires landlords to pay interest on qualifying security deposits. New Mexico requires interest only in one scenario: under an ANNUAL rental agreement, if the deposit exceeds one month's rent, the owner must pay the resident ANNUAL interest on the excess; the rate is a floating statutory formula = 'passbook interest permitted to savings and loan associations in this state by the federal home loan bank board' (FHLBB abolished 1989, so no current published numeric value). The rule comes from NMSA 1978, sec. 47-8-18(A)(1) (Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act, Deposits). State statute (official text) · 2026-10-28
Calculator pre-loaded with this state:
The current rate in New Mexico
New Mexico does not fix the rate in the statute — it moves with a benchmark: NMSA 1978 sec. 47-8-18(A)(1): interest equal to 'the passbook interest permitted to savings and loan associations in this state by the federal home loan bank board'. Formula references the defunct FHLBB (abolished 1989); no state agency publishes a current numeric value - 2026 value unresolved, keep formula verbatim..
Because the benchmark resets periodically, always check the current published value before relying on an older figure. Where we have confirmed the current value against the official announcement, the calculator above applies it; where we have not, the calculator says so instead of guessing.
How interest must be paid
Statute silent; interest is paid annually (treat as simple, non-compounded). Paid to the resident annually while the tenancy continues; deposit remainder due within 30 days after termination (penalty: deposit + $250 for bad-faith failure).
Who the law applies to
Only rental agreements with a term of one year or more (annual agreements) AND only the portion of the deposit exceeding one month's rent. For agreements under one year the deposit is capped at one month's rent and no interest is owed. Leases over one year have no cap, with interest on the excess above one month.
Cities that add their own rules
Albuquerque: no city deposit-interest ordinance found; state act governs (Albuquerque Code sec. 11-1-1-12 relocation-assistance ordinance is unrelated to deposit interest). Note: manufactured home parks fall under NMSA sec. 47-10-10 (separate trust account), a different regime.
How New Mexico compares in the Southwest
| State | Rate | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | — | no statewide requirement |
| New Mexico | (to be verified) - floating statutory formula | interest required |
The statute behind it
| Field | Value | | --- | --- | --- | | Citation | NMSA 1978, sec. 47-8-18(A)(1) (Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act, Deposits) | | Official text | codes.findlaw.com | | Last verified | 2026-10-28 |
Cross-checked against: LeaseParser - New Mexico Landlord-Tenant Laws (2026): 'if deposit exceeds one month's rent, your landlord must pay you annual interest on it at the passbook savings rate', Justia - New Mexico Statutes sec. 47-8-18 (2025), Deposits.
Statutes get amended. If you are relying on this page — for a move-out, a dispute, or a lease draft — click through to the official text and confirm the current wording.
FAQ
Does New Mexico require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
Yes. Under NMSA 1978, sec. 47-8-18(A)(1) (Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act, Deposits), qualifying landlords in New Mexico must pay interest — currently (to be verified) - floating statutory formula. Only rental agreements with a term of one year or more (annual agreements) AND only the portion of the deposit exceeding one month's rent. For agreements under one year the deposit is capped at one month's rent and no interest is owed. Leases over one year have no cap, with interest on the excess above one month.
How is deposit interest calculated in New Mexico?
At (to be verified) - floating statutory formula. Statute silent; interest is paid annually (treat as simple, non-compounded). The calculator at the top of this page applies exactly this rule to your deposit amount and dates.
When do I get the interest?
Paid to the resident annually while the tenancy continues; deposit remainder due within 30 days after termination (penalty: deposit + $250 for bad-faith failure).
Independent second source · 2026-10-28Related guides
- All states: security deposit interest by state · rent increase rules by state
- Tools: deposit interest calculator · rent increase calculator
- Neighboring states: Arizona
This page is information, not legal advice — see the full disclaimer.