During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people faced housing instability. While some programs have ended, there are still opportunities for emergency rental assistance in New Mexico to help keep you in your community. Here’s what you need to know about these vital programs and how to find out if you are eligible.

New Mexico Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) provides funding for qualified applicants to pay for past-due rent, current rent, and up to three months of future rent. This program is available through September 2025 with funding and guidance from the U.S. Treasury.

To be eligible for this program, your household must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Demonstrate the threat of homelessness.
Show documentation of financial loss due to COVID-19.

New Mexico Housing Trust Fund Housing Stability Program

The New Mexico Housing Trust Fund provides assistance to occupants of income-restricted properties managed by the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority. Funds cover short-term rental assistance to eligible households. The program focuses on mediation between landlords and tenants and providing housing stability for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

To be eligible for this program, your household:

Must earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Cannot currently receive rental assistance from another program.
Needs to have documentation of financial loss due to COVID-19.

City of Albuquerque Emergency Rental Assistance

The City of Albuquerque offers eligible residents up to 15 months of assistance with back rent, current rent, and future rent payments. Bernalillo County also administers a separate emergency rental assistance program for residents outside of the Albuquerque city limits.

To qualify for emergency rental assistance in Albuquerque, New Mexico, your household must::

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Demonstrate the threat of homelessness.
Show documentation of financial loss due to COVID-19.
Reside in Albuquerque.

CARES Rental and Utility Assistance: Bernalillo County

Eligible residents of Bernalillo County can receive up to $5,000 in emergency rental assistance through CARES funding. To date, more than 2,898 residents have been able to pay off back rent and avoid evictions through this program.

To qualify for this program:

Rental payments must be past due because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The household must earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Households must demonstrate the threat of homelessness.
Recipients must reside in Bernalillo County.

HHH Health & Social Service Centers Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Program

This program is a great option for people who need NM emergency rental assistance quickly. Funds are limited and services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested residents should apply promptly. Contact your local Health & Social Services Center for eligibility information or to start an application.

To qualify for this program, your household must::

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Demonstrate the threat of homelessness.
Show documentation of financial loss due to COVID-19.

Doña Ana County Eviction Prevention and Diversion Program

Residents of Doña Ana County who are facing eviction can apply for help with back rent and utility bills. Applicants can check the status of their case online at any time during the process, which makes it easier to stay on top of any updates.

To qualify, residents must:

Earn 50% or less of the local median household income.
Have documentation of imminent eviction.
Show that they experienced financial loss due to COVID-19.
Reside in Doña Ana County.

Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMAP): Santa Fe County

Santa Fe County offers eligible residents emergency grants through ERMAP to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Residents can use funds from this program to pay past-due rent and utility bills.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Reside in Santa Fe County.
Have experienced loss of work on or after March 1, 2020.
Currently be behind on rent.
Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.

The Importance and Impact of Rental Assistance in New Mexico

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many residents of New Mexico out of their homes due to loss of work and wages. Losing friends and neighbors harms any community and weakens important social ties. Programs that keep people in their homes support community connections and breathe new life into areas affected by the pandemic.

Getting Help With Rent in New Mexico

Taking control of housing instability can feel overwhelming but there are programs to help. If you need help paying rent or utilities, these programs can help you figure out how to close the gap, keep you in your home, and help you get back on your feet. Many program administrators offer help applying for programs in person and over the phone. To learn more about emergency rental assistance programs in your area, try out the Affordable Housing Hub’s search tool.