Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Chaves County, NM

Airbnb listings are allowed in Chaves County, NM, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to the host's primary residence; Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be rented as separate STRs. Hosts must provide a 24/7 local contact who can respond within one hour, obtain HOA approval if applicable, maintain commercial liability insurance, and remit a 5% Lodgers’ Tax plus a nightly convention center fee. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

STRs are restricted to the host's primary residence; Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be rented as separate STRs. Hosts must provide a 24/7 local contact who can respond within one hour, obtain HOA approval if applicable, maintain commercial liability insurance, and remit a 5% Lodgers’ Tax plus a nightly convention center fee.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Chaves County. 1) Submit the STR Registration/Application with a $35 fee, proof of General Commercial Liability Insurance, and a parking plan to the Business License Clerk. 2) Schedule and pass inspections with the Fire Marshal and Building Inspection office. 3) Upon approval, obtain a City business license (separate fee) and begin monthly Lodgers’ Tax remittance; both the STR permit and business license must be renewed annually.

1) Submit the STR Registration/Application with a $35 fee, proof of General Commercial Liability Insurance, and a parking plan to the Business License Clerk. 2) Schedule and pass inspections with the Fire Marshal and Building Inspection office. 3) Upon approval, obtain a City business license (separate fee) and begin monthly Lodgers’ Tax remittance; both the STR permit and business license must be renewed annually.

Vrbo is permitted in Chaves County, NM under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Chaves County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Chaves County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.