SHORT-TERM RENTAL COMPLIANCE

Short-term rentals in Ruidoso are required to obtain a NM GRT (tax) ID Number, a Short-Term Rental Permit, and comply with all the provisions, as adopted by Village Council in Ordinance 2025-01 in February 2025. You can obtain a VOR Business Registration here.

CHRYSANTI JONES
Short-Term Rental Administrative Assistant

T: 575-258-6999 X 1065
E: ChrysantiJones@ruidoso-nm.gov

The Village of Ruidoso Short-Term Rental (STR) Program is now entirely online. All lodgers tax reporting, payment submissions, and STR-related documentation must be completed through the new online system.

Paper submissions for lodgers tax collections or related forms are no longer accepted. Moving to an online system ensures faster processing, improved accuracy, and easier access to your records.

Property owners can log in at any time to review account details, submit payments, and stay current with STR requirements.

Quick Links

Important Notes

  • If you already have a valid STR Permit, you do not need to register again. Use the email address on file to receive a verification code and log in.

  • Keep your contact email current in the system to ensure you receive reminders and updates.

  • You will need to upload the following documents to ensure your account is complete

    • Photo of STR

    • Forestry Compliance Certificate

    • VOR Business License

  • The Local Contact Business Registration is required if owner/operator has a local contact other than themselves. 

Need help?

For assistance navigating the new system or questions about your account, please contact chrysantijones@ruidoso-nm.gov. Our team is here to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Lodgers Tax Reporting Now Fully Online

1. Software Overview & Purpose

  • Better customer service, modern technology, and more public information.

  • AI tracking to identify unregistered properties.

  • The public portal offers contact information for each STR, creating safer, more reliable stays.

2. Registration & Compliance

  • Automated email notifications for renewals and deadlines.

  • Up to 15 business days, as required by ordinance.

3. Safety Requirements

  • Required emergency & safety information posted for guests

    Each STR must display a clearly visible notice including:

    • Emergency contact information (24/7 local contact)

    • Maximum occupancy and parking limits

    • Trash and refuse procedures

    • Noise rules and disturbance enforcement

    • Prohibition on fires and burning

    • 911 address for the property

    • Animal and leash law notices

  • STRs must pass a compliance inspection that includes:

    • ABC fire extinguisher(s) (minimum 3 lbs), mounted at points of egress

    • Working smoke alarms installed per manufacturer instructions in all sleeping areas and on all levels of the home

    • Clear means of egress from sleeping areas, including window size and ladder/step requirements where applicable

  • All short-term rental properties in Ruidoso are required by ordinance to provide a working NOAA Weather Radio for guest use.

    Hosts must ensure the radio is programmed for the Ruidoso area, placed in a location accessible to guests, and maintained in working order.

    NOAA Weather Radios deliver real-time emergency alerts from the National Weather Service, including warnings for flash flooding, wildfire evacuations, and severe weather. This requirement helps ensure guests receive critical safety information quickly, even when cell service, internet, or power may be limited.

  • Ruidoso’s mountain terrain can experience rapid-onset emergencies.

    • Alerts are often faster than mobile apps

    • Works without internet or cellular service

    • Audible alarms wake you day or night

    • When seconds matter, this radio can save lives.

  • NOAA Weather Radios are widely available through common retail and online outlets. Hosts are not required to purchase a radio through the Village.

    Common purchase options to list (safe + familiar)

    National retailers: Home improvement stores (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s), electronics retailers, outdoor/sporting goods stores

    Online retailers: Amazon and other major online marketplaces

    Weather-specific brands: Radios marketed as “NOAA Weather Radio” or “Emergency Weather Radio” from manufacturers like Midland, Sangean, or Eton

    NOAA Weather Radios are also available for local purchase and pickup at Village Hall, 313 Cree Meadows Drive, and can be programmed on site.

    For assistance with purchasing, programming, or short-term rental compliance, property owners may contact Village of Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management at 575-258-4343.

    1. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio via a third-party source or from the Village of Ruidoso at Village Hall, 313 Cree Meadows Drive (local pickup available).

    2. Program the radio for the Ruidoso area and ensure it is placed in an accessible location where guests can hear alerts.

    3. Maintain the radio in working order and contact Village of Ruidoso Emergency Management at 575-258-4343 for help with purchasing, programming, or STR compliance.

4. Enforcement & Fairness

  • AI technology plus staff review of national and local listings.

  • Yes, a map and list of licensed STRs will be available.

  • Fewer unregistered properties create a level playing field.

5. Visitor & Community Benefits

  • The Village of Ruidoso is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and residents. Short-term rental owners and managers play an important role in maintaining that standard.

    • Report concerns. If you observe unsafe conditions or disruptive activity at an STR property, please call the 24/7 STR Hotline at 575-315-8354 or submit a report online through the STR Complaint Portal.

    Together, we can ensure Ruidoso remains a welcoming and safe mountain destination for everyone.

    ‍ ‍

  • Yes, improving Lodgers Tax revenue for parks, roads, and public safety.

  • Online forum plus a 24-hour hotline. Unresolved issues may result in strikes against a permit (three strikes = suspension or revocation).

    24/7 Complaint Hotline: 575-315-8354

    Online Complaint Portal: https://complaints-str.deckard.com/ruidoso-nm-str-complaints

6. Support & Communication

  • Contact Chrysanti Jones at

    T: 575-258-4343 X 1065
    E:     ChrysantiJones@ruidoso-nm.gov

  • Available through the program.

  • Posted on the Village website and social media; owners/managers will also receive direct communication.

Recent Updates

Featured
NOAA Weather Radios Required for All Short-Term Rentals in Ruidoso
NOAA Weather Radios Required for All Short-Term Rentals in Ruidoso

NOAA Weather Radios are required by ordinance in all short-term rentals in Ruidoso to support guest safety and emergency preparedness. These radios provide real-time alerts for flooding, wildfire, and severe weather, even when cell service or power is limited. Learn how hosts can comply and where radios are available.

Village of Ruidoso Launches New Short-Term Rental Software
Village of Ruidoso Launches New Short-Term Rental Software

The Village of Ruidoso will launch a new short-term rental software platform in September, enhancing customer service, compliance, and transparency. The system features AI tracking, a public portal with STR contact info, automated reminders, and a 24-hour complaint hotline. Learn more on the Village’s STR webpage.

New Rules for Short-Term Rentals in Ruidoso: What You Need to Know
New Rules for Short-Term Rentals in Ruidoso: What You Need to Know

New short-term rental rules in Ruidoso aim to boost safety and community well-being. Updates include permit fees ($300), annual inspections (compliance reinspections $50), occupancy limits (2 adults per sleeping unit), and stricter fire safety. Stay informed and compliant!

Fire Pit & Outdoor Burning Reminder for Short-Term Rentals

For the safety of our community and visitors, please note that fire pits and all outdoor burning are prohibited at short-term rental properties within the Village of Ruidoso at all times, regardless of current fire restriction levels.

This includes backyard fire pits and recreational fires. Outdoor cooking using grills or smokers is allowed where permitted.

For current fire restrictions and official regulations, visit: ruidoso-nm.gov/fire-restrictions

What qualifies as a short-term rental?

Short-term rentals are a type of lodging, sometimes called vacation rentals. A house, condo, or apartment (or a part of one) that is rented for a fee for fewer than 30 consecutive nights is a short-term rental. Examples of short-term rentals are those rented through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. All Village short-term rentals are required to obtain an NM GRT (tax) ID Number, a Short-Term Rental Permit, and comply with all the provisions, as adopted by the Village Council in Ordinance 2025-01in February 2025.

What isn’t a short-term rental?

This classification does not cover:

  • Rooms or apartments rented out for more than a month at a time

  • Traditional bed and breakfasts

  • Hotels and motels

  • Rules about business licensing, taxes, limits on the number of units, and other provisions for short-term rentals that are currently in effect.

How to Get Started

To begin the application process, be prepared to provide the following:

  1. Proof that your Short Term Rental uses a Village-issued Address (a photo of your house with the street number visible)

  2. A letter from the State of NM showing your NM GRT (tax) ID Number.

Rules to Follow

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in:

  • Most structures established as dwelling units

Short-term rentals are NOT allowed in:

  • RVs, tents, garages, boats, and other spaces that are not considered dwelling units.

  • Dwellings in commercial or industrial buildings.

  • Live-work units.

Requirements for all short-term rentals:

  • Ruidoso is a fire-wise community - it is your responsibility as a property owner that your renters are aware of the current fire restrictions.

  • In order to receive your Short-Term Rental Permit, you must be in compliance with all other Village of Ruidoso Code of Ordinances, including Forestry Department ordinances.

  • The Village of Ruidoso recommends that, as a property owner, you consider purchasing short-term rental insurance.

  • You must meet the parking, noise, housing, building maintenance, and other code requirements that apply to your property.

  • You must register the short-term rental

  • If you serve food to your guests, you must meet all applicable state and county health regulations.

  • All short-term rentals rented for 29 days or less are required to collect Lodger’s Tax and Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) on the gross charge to the guest.

Licensing and tax requirements:

  • You must have a permit to operate a short-term rental in the Village of Ruidoso.

  • The State Department of Health may also require you to get a transient accommodation license.

  • The State Department of Taxation and Revenue requires you to pay certain taxes for your short-term rental.

Read the Code

Fines

If you receive notice of a Short-Term Rental hosting violation and don’t fix the problem in a timely manner, we may fine you. We will also charge you for inspections.

Short-term rental complaints

If you would like to file a complaint against a Ruidoso Short-Term Rental, please click here.

Wildlife Safety

Please share the following information with guests.

Wildlife Rack Card (PDF)

The safety and health of wildlife depend on the thoughtful actions of human visitors. Know the risks of getting too close to wild animals and how to avoid them. Even when you’re farther away, leaving wildlife alone can help your viewing experience—plus, it’s the law. It’s illegal to feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife. [Sec. 14-21 Ordinance 2019-12] Interacting with wildlife also can cause harm to both people and wildlife, including injury and disease.

Keep children close and stay on trails to help keep a human presence in predictable areas.

Do not use bird calls or wildlife calls and attractants.