Understanding New Mexico's 30-Day Security Deposit Rule Navigating the end of a lease can be a relief, but for many New Mexico tenants, the peace is often short-lived when their security deposit refund is delayed. It’s a common frustration, but one where New Mexico law provides clear protections and remedies. If your landlord hasn't returned your security deposit or provided an itemized statement within the legally mandated timeframe, you have rights – and options – to recover what’s rightfully yours, and potentially more. The 30-Day Deadline: Your Landlord's Core Obligation In New Mexico, the law is quite explicit regarding security deposits. Under the New Mexico Security Deposit Act (NMSA 1978, Section 47-8-18), your landlord has a strict deadline to either: ✉️ Return your full security deposit. 📝 Provide a written, itemized statement of any deductions and the remaining balance of the deposit. This must happen within ...