Demand letters in New Mexico.
In New Mexico, landlords must return a deposit within 30 days, and the Metropolitan Court / Magistrate Court hears claims up to $10,000 (Metropolitan Court); $10,000 in Magistrate Court. Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.
New Mexico demand letter facts at a glance
30 days
$10,000 (Metropolitan Court); $10,000 in Magistrate Court
About $30–$77
6 years
3 years
8.75% per year (post-judgment) where no contract rate applies; 15% on certain judgments.
Security deposit demand letters in New Mexico
If your former landlord is holding your deposit, New Mexico law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Failing to provide a timely itemized statement forfeits the right to keep the deposit and can add up to $250 plus attorney’s fees. New Mexico also requires landlords to pay interest on deposits.
Governing statute: N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18 · read it
Statutes of limitation in New Mexico
A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:
| Written contracts | 6 years |
| Oral contracts | 4 years |
| Personal injury | 3 years |
| Property damage | 4 years |
Small claims court in New Mexico
If your demand letter is ignored, New Mexico's Metropolitan Court / Magistrate Court is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $10,000 (Metropolitan Court); $10,000 in Magistrate Court, with filing fees around About $30–$77. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.
New Mexico courts self-helpGood to know in New Mexico
New Mexico requires deposits back within 30 days, and a landlord who deducts must give an itemized statement or forfeit the right to keep anything, with up to $250 plus attorney’s fees available to the tenant. Interest is owed on deposits exceeding one month’s rent. Claims up to $10,000 go to the Metropolitan Court (Bernalillo County) or Magistrate Court elsewhere. A certified-mail demand referencing N.M. Stat. § 47-8-18 is the standard step before filing.
Common demand letters in New Mexico
Each generator automatically applies New Mexico law where it matters.
Security Deposit Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.
Create this letterUnpaid Invoice Demand Letter
A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.
Create this letterContractor Dispute Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.
Create this letterDebt Collection Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.
Create this letterProperty Damage Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.
Create this letterUnpaid Wages Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.
Create this letterNew Mexico demand letter FAQ
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Mexico?
What is the small claims court limit in New Mexico?
How long do I have to sue in New Mexico?
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in New Mexico?
Send a demand letter that cites New Mexico law.
Build a professional, state-specific demand letter in minutes. Free to create — no account, no credit card, no watermark on your draft.
- Free to create — no signup
- Drafted privately in your browser
- Sourced from official statutes
- State-specific statutes & deadlines