Doña Ana County is cracking down on short-term rental (STR) compliance. In a recent announcement, the County is calling on property owners to toe the line with both the existing STR Ordinance and the newly minted Lodgers’ Tax. The message to the owners who aren't following the rules: shape up by July 16, or face enforcement actions.
If you're a short-term rental host in Doña Ana County, it's time to rapidly get up to speed on the regulations. Property owners now have to charge a fresh 5% Lodgers' Tax on top of rent, a tax they must now hand over to the County, a duty they can perform on either a monthly or quarterly basis, according to Doña Ana County. This comes hot off the heels of an April 8 meeting where County Commissioners gave the green light to Ordinance No. 363-2025. The county promises to fill in the gaps with finer details in the weeks to come.
For STR owners entrenched in the system since January 2021, this is not entirely new territory. The Ordinance demands owners rent out via platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, obtain a Business Tax Number from the NM Taxation and Revenue Department, and also part with $50 for a one-time STR Permit alongside a $35 annual Business Registration, to be renewed start of each calendar year. Submit your paperwork, including STR Application, insurance proof, and clearly illustrated maps displaying firefighting gear locations within the property. Anyone who's ridden this rodeo knows the next routine step: mailing out neighbor notifications within a 200-foot radius.
For those thinking of steering clear of the STR venture, proof of cancellation should be sent to the county. That's the only way to steer clear of running afoul of the local government machinery. It’s a case of either fully adhering to the guidelines or showing that you've jumped ship. Otherwise, ready yourself to face temporary suspensions or permit cancellations. For those sitting on the fence and considering whether to still play ball, the County will offer a list of neighbor addresses to cover your obligatory postal notifications.
