New Mexico is granting $178 million to New Mexican renters who are having difficulty paying their and/or utility bills due to the COVID pandemic. The financial assistance can be used to pay for past due, current, and future rent and utility bills as well as other housing related expenses incurred because of the COVID outbreak.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
1. Pay rent to a landlord or property manager in the State of New Mexico
2. Have been directly or indirectly affected by the COVID pandemic
3. Have an income that does not exceed the approved limits. Click here to see Housing Cost Assistance Program income limits.
4. Have been approved for unemployment benefits or have experienced reduced income due to the pandemic
5. Are at risk of homelessness or housing instability
6. Have evidence you owe back rent and/or utilities dating back as far as March 30, 2020

The state emergency rental assistance program covers:

  • Rent

  • Utilities - gas and electricity

  • Fuel oil, wood, and pellets

  • Sewer and water

  • Trash removal

  • Additional expenses related to housing including hotel/motel bills

How do I apply?
Apply here if you live in any county in New Mexico or within the Albuquerque city limits.
Apply here if you live in Bernalillo County.
Apply here if you live in Dona Ana County.
Call 1-833-485-1334 if you have a problem with the application process.

You will need the following documentation to complete the application process.
1. Proof you are renting a residential property. This can be a lease, a utility bill, bank statements, canceled checks, or a statement from the landlord.
2. Proof of income for every adult in the household. This can include pay stubs, an unemployment benefits letter, or most rent income tax return. Documentation showing the entire household income is required.
3. Proof one or more members of the household are at risk of homelessness or housing stability. This can include past due or eviction notice, or notice of utility shut-off.
4. Proof household has been directly or indirectly affected by COVID.
5. If applying for utility bill assistance, submit copy of utility bill showing past due or current amount due.

FAQ


What is the utility assistance?
Utility assistance provides help paying past due, current, and future utility bills for a maximum of 15 months. Assistance includes gas, electricity, water, sewer, trash removal, fuel oil, wood, and pellets. Assistance is limited to renters. Homeowners are not eligible. Funds are paid directly to utility providers.

Is there a limit to the amount of assistance I can receive?
Funds are limited to a maximum of 15 months. Assistance is provided three months at a time for current and future rent payments. Past due rent is paid before current and future rent.

Will I get the money?
Funds are paid directly to landlords and/or utility providers depending on the assistance request. Funds for other housing costs like wood, pellets, and hotel/motel bills will be paid directly to the applicants as long as receipts have been submitted.