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Santa Fe

New Mexico · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-07-15  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-15  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Santa Fe Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — all STRs need a Business Registration plus either a Residential Short-Term Rental Permit or a Non-Residential STR Registration, depending on zon
Tax Rate~15% total (5% city Lodger's Tax + 2% convention center fee + ~8% state GRT)
Night / Day CapSeven-day rule: a unit may be rented only once in a seven-day period, except between Nov 15 and Jan 15 when the rule is waived.
Minimum StayNone (STR = any dwelling unit rented for less than 30 calendar days); subject to the seven-day frequency rule instead.
Permit FeeUnknown (specific permit/registration fee amounts not sourced; late renewal fee applies after the standard deadline).
PenaltiesListing removal by platforms for invalid permits; standard city enforcement for non-compliance (specific fine amounts not sourced).
Primary Residence RequiredNo primary-residence requirement, but residential permits are limited to one per natural person.
Occupancy LimitMaximum guests equals twice the number of bedrooms.
Browse all 9 STR regulations in New Mexico → Browse all 535 STR regulations in United States →

Santa Fe Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Santa Fe Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Santa Fe, New Mexico are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — all STRs need a Business Registration plus either a Residential Short-Term Rental Permit or a Non-Residential STR Registration, depending on zoning.. The associated permit fees are Unknown (specific permit/registration fee amounts not sourced; late renewal fee applies after the st.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Santa Fe

Short-term rental operators in Santa Fe should be aware of these tax obligations: ~15% total (5% city Lodger's Tax + 2% convention center fee + ~8% state GRT). Yes — a New Mexico CRS/GRT (gross receipts) number is required, and city lodgers' tax applies..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Santa Fe

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Santa Fe include: Primary residence requirement: No primary-residence requirement, but residential permits are limited to one per natural person.. Rental day cap: Seven-day rule: a unit may be rented only once in a seven-day period, except between Nov 15 and Jan 15 when the rule is . Occupancy limit: Maximum guests equals twice the number of bedrooms.. Minimum stay: None (STR = any dwelling unit rented for less than 30 calendar days); subject to the seven-day frequency rule instead..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Santa Fe

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Santa Fe: Residential STRs require a permit; cannot be within 50 feet of another residential STR (proximity rule). In multi-unit developments of 4+ units, no more than 25% of units may be STRs and no more than . Density rules: Citywide cap of 1,000 residential STR permits; permits non-transferable on sale (limited spousal/domestic-partner transfer on death); 50-ft proximity . Insurance: Yes — proof of insurance is among the required application documents..

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Santa Fe

Hosts who fail to comply with Santa Fe's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Listing removal by platforms for invalid permits; standard city enforcement for non-compliance (specific fine amounts not sourced)..

Platform Obligations in Santa Fe

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Santa Fe: Owner must post permit/registration number on all advertisements including Airbnb and Vrbo; if a permit/registration is invalid, the platform must remove the listing within 5 days..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — all STRs need a Business Registration plus either a Residential Short-Term Rental Permit or a Non-Residential STR Registration, depending on zoning.
Tax Registration
Yes — a New Mexico CRS/GRT (gross receipts) number is required, and city lodgers' tax applies.
Permit Fee
Unknown (specific permit/registration fee amounts not sourced; late renewal fee applies after the standard deadline).
Primary Residence Rule
No primary-residence requirement, but residential permits are limited to one per natural person.
Night / Day Cap
Seven-day rule: a unit may be rented only once in a seven-day period, except between Nov 15 and Jan 15 when the rule is waived.
Occupancy Limit
Maximum guests equals twice the number of bedrooms.
Tax Rate
~15% total (5% city Lodger's Tax + 2% convention center fee + ~8% state GRT)
Zoning Restrictions
Residential STRs require a permit; cannot be within 50 feet of another residential STR (proximity rule). In multi-unit developments of 4+ units, no more than 25% of units may be STRs and no more than 12 permits per multi-unit structure. Non-residential zones require a registration with no cap (except 12-per-building rule).
Minimum Stay
None (STR = any dwelling unit rented for less than 30 calendar days); subject to the seven-day frequency rule instead.
Density Rules
Citywide cap of 1,000 residential STR permits; permits non-transferable on sale (limited spousal/domestic-partner transfer on death); 50-ft proximity rule; 25%/12-permit multi-unit limits.
Insurance Required
Yes — proof of insurance is among the required application documents.
Platform Obligations
Owner must post permit/registration number on all advertisements including Airbnb and Vrbo; if a permit/registration is invalid, the platform must remove the listing within 5 days.
Compliance Notes
1,000-permit citywide residential cap; waitlist when full. Units must be 50+ feet apart in residential zones. Multi-unit buildings: max 25% of units as STR. Neighbors within 200 feet must be notified. 1 permit per natural person max; permits non-transferable upon property sale. Monitored via Granicus/Host Compliance software. $100 one-time application/inspection fee + ~$325 annual license renewal. Late renewal (after March 15): additional $50. Santa Fe County (unincorporated): separate rules under Ordinance 2022-07.
Effective Date
2021 (city framework; current renewal cycle for CY2026)
Key Notes
Properties outside city limits fall under Santa Fe County's separate STR ordinance (2022-07, effective Nov 24, 2022), which uses owner-occupied vs. non-owner-occupied categories and CDP-level caps (e.g., 7% of housing stock in some CDPs).
Penalties
Listing removal by platforms for invalid permits; standard city enforcement for non-compliance (specific fine amounts not sourced).
Additional Context
Dual system — City of Santa Fe vs. Santa Fe County rules differ. HOA CC&Rs may be stricter than the city ordinance. New residential permits issued first-come, first-served subject to the 1,000 cap.
Sources
City of Santa Fe (santafenm.gov STR pages)
New Mexico STRA
Santa Fe County (santafecountynm.gov
Ordinance 2022-07 FAQ)
STRProfitMap | https://www.santafenm.gov/short_term_rentals
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Santa Fe?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Santa Fe but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. 1,000-permit citywide residential cap; waitlist when full. Units must be 50+ feet apart in residential zones. Multi-unit buildings: max 25% of units as STR. Neighbors within 200 feet must be notified.

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Santa Fe?

Yes. Santa Fe requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — all STRs need a Business Registration plus either a Residential Short-Term Rental Permit or a Non-Residential STR Registration, depending on zoning..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Santa Fe?

Short-term rental hosts in Santa Fe are subject to the following tax obligations: ~15% total (5% city Lodger's Tax + 2% convention center fee + ~8% state GRT).

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Santa Fe?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Santa Fe may face enforcement. Listing removal by platforms for invalid permits; standard city enforcement for non-compliance (specific fine amounts not sourced)..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Santa Fe?

Properties outside city limits fall under Santa Fe County's separate STR ordinance (2022-07, effective Nov 24, 2022), which uses owner-occupied vs. non-owner-occupied categories and CDP-level caps (e.g., 7% of housing stock in some CDPs).

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