Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in New Mexico

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What New Mexico law says

Itemized deductions	If any amount is kept, the owner must give an itemized written list of deductions and the balance within 30 days. No deductions for normal wear and tear; allowed for unpaid rent/utilities, repair work and other legitimate damages from the resident's noncompliance. Source: NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	'Normal wear and tear' means deterioration from the intended use of the unit without negligence, carelessness, accident, abuse, or intentional damage by residents or anyone on the premises with the resident's consent; uncleanliness is not normal wear and tear. No deposit may be retained to cover normal wear and tear. At move-out the resident must leave the unit as clean as at move-in, except for ordinary wear and tear. Because uncleanliness is excluded, reasonable cleaning costs for a dirty unit may be deducted; painting or carpet replacement due only to age and ordinary use may not. An itemized list is due within 30 days after the rental agreement ends. Source: NMSA 1978, §§ 47-8-3 (definition of 'normal wear and tear'), 47-8-18(C), 47-8-22(B)

Itemized deductions

If any amount is kept, the owner must give an itemized written list of deductions and the balance within 30 days. No deductions for normal wear and tear; allowed for unpaid rent/utilities, repair work and other legitimate damages from the resident's noncompliance.

Source: NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

'Normal wear and tear' means deterioration from the intended use of the unit without negligence, carelessness, accident, abuse, or intentional damage by residents or anyone on the premises with the resident's consent; uncleanliness is not normal wear and tear. No deposit may be retained to cover normal wear and tear. At move-out the resident must leave the unit as clean as at move-in, except for ordinary wear and tear.

Because uncleanliness is excluded, reasonable cleaning costs for a dirty unit may be deducted; painting or carpet replacement due only to age and ordinary use may not. An itemized list is due within 30 days after the rental agreement ends.

Source: NMSA 1978, §§ 47-8-3 (definition of 'normal wear and tear'), 47-8-18(C), 47-8-22(B)

Fill it in

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · New Mexico tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.