Albuquerque Says No to New Airbnb Restrictions After 5–4 Council Vote
On Monday, in a close 5–4 vote, the Albuquerque City Council just rejected a proposed short-term rental regulation that would have limited STR growth in the area.
And judging by the packed public comments and tight vote, it’s a topic the city is still very divided on.
Here’s what the proposal included, why it failed, and why this vote matters for hosts outside of Albuquerque.
What the Proposed STR Rule Would Have Changed
The rejected ordinance focused on distance restrictions between short-term rentals.
Under the latest version of the bill:
- New STR permits would only be approved if the property was at least 100 feet away from another permitted short-term rental.
- That was already a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal that called for a 330-foot separation.
- Owner-occupied, single-room rentals would have been exempt.
- Existing STRs wouldn’t have been forced to shut down—but future growth would’ve been capped.
Supporters of the rule argued that spacing limits could reduce STR clustering and protect long-term housing.
But many hosts and residents pushed back. They believed the bill would limit income opportunities, discourage tourism, and do little to actually fix housing affordability.
During public comment, locals made it clear this wasn’t just about investors or “Airbnb empires” taking over housing.
Several speakers highlighted how short-term rentals support real people — from young homeowners to retirees — not just big operators.
One resident put it bluntly:
“If you vote for this, if we continue to limit opportunities to make income for everybody — from young homeowners renting out a room to retirees who rely on that income — the impact is going to be felt exponentially.”
Others pointed out that visitors staying in STRs support local restaurants, shops, and experiences, bringing dollars into neighborhoods that don’t always benefit from traditional hotels.
In the end, the council couldn’t reach a consensus, and the proposal failed by a single vote.
Not the First Time Albuquerque Has Said “No”
But this isn’t a one-off.
Albuquerque has now rejected similar STR restrictions three times, this year, 2024, and 2023.
What Are Albuquerque’s STR Rules Right Now?
Even without this proposal, Albuquerque already has clear and enforced STR regulations in place.
Here’s what hosts currently need to comply with:
- A valid short-term rental permit for stays under 29 days
- Permit fees and annual renewals
- A posted Good Neighbor Agreement for guests
- Occupancy limits: 2 adults per bedroom, plus 2 additional guests
- Gathering limits: no more than double the overnight occupancy, with quiet hours enforced
- Proof of STR insurance
- Lodging and hospitality taxes must be collected and remitted
There’s also a complaint system, an enforcement process, and penalties for repeat violations.
Why This Vote Matters (Even If You’re Not in ABQ)
It’s easy to assume STR crackdowns are inevitable everywhere. But this vote tells a more nuanced story:
- STR regulations are not a foregone conclusion. Cities are increasingly questioning whether caps and distance rules actually solve housing problems and help communities.
- Hosts are being recognized as stakeholders. Many hosts are part of the communities where they host, especially when they foster good relationships with neighbours. When hosts show up, engage, and operate responsibly, their voices carry weight.
- One-size-fits-all rules are losing momentum. More cities are realizing that STRs can support tourism, small business, and local income—without being the root cause of housing shortages.
We’ve seen this before.
Lisbon famously reversed its planned STR ban after realizing restrictions weren’t delivering the housing relief policymakers expected. And other cities with aggressive STR crackdowns — like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and New York City — still saw rents rise and supply tighten despite major reductions in listings.
The tide isn’t universally turning against STRs. In many places, it’s shifting toward more balanced, data-driven policy. And that's a huge relief for Airbnb hosts.
The Bigger Picture
Albuquerque’s vote is a reminder that the STR conversation is evolving.
Short-term rentals aren’t the enemy; they’re a valuable tool for achieving financial stability and building wealth. And when regulated thoughtfully and fairly, they can coexist with long-term housing, support tourism, and provide meaningful income for everyday people.
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