How do I apply for Section 8 in New Mexico?

Apply to the local public housing agency that serves the area where you want to live. Each agency runs its own waiting list; check its official site to see whether the list is open.

Section 8 in New Mexico: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving New Mexico's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a New Mexico landlord to refuse Section 8? No statewide protection. 2025 HB 339, which would have added 'source of income' as a protected category for housing under the Human Rights Act, died. A similar 2024 bill (HB 25) was reported as failing in committee. NMSA 1978, § 28-1-7 (no source-of-income category); 2025 HB 339 (died)

Housing authorities in New Mexico

Albuquerque Housing Authority — Albuquerque, Bernalillo County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Veterans housing (VASH), Family Self-Sufficiency
Phone: 505.764.3920 (TTY 711)
How to apply / waiting list — open — Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher pre-applications accepted October 16 through November 15, 2026; public housing October 5 through October 31, 2026; Project-Based Voucher open until further notice; apply online only (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Bernalillo County Housing Department — Albuquerque, Bernalillo County
Phone: (505) 314-0200
Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority — Las Cruces, Doña Ana County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Project-Based Section 8, Section 8 New Construction, Affordable housing
Phone: 575-528-2000
How to apply / waiting list — Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher list closed; public housing open for 1-, 3- and 5-bedroom units; Jardines Verdes project-based list open for elderly/disabled applicants (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority — Santa Fe, Santa Fe County
Phone: (505) 988-2859

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (Housing New Mexico) — Lists affordable rental properties statewide and funds homelessness programs, including emergency homeless assistance, rapid rehousing and homeless prevention, HOPWA housing help for people with HIV/AIDS, the Linkages supportive-housing program, and incentives for landlords who accept housing vouchers. Phone 505-843-6880.

Help paying rent in New Mexico

Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention (Housing New Mexico) — State-funded help, delivered through local providers, for households that are homeless or at risk of losing their housing.

How to apply

Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

New Mexico tenant rights · Free legal help in New Mexico · Section 8 in other states

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.