Lincoln County, New Mexico: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Lincoln County court that hears small claims in Carrizozo. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $10,000. New Mexico return time: 30 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $873. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Lincoln County court that hears small claims |
|---|---|
| City | Carrizozo |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $10,000 (Magistrate Court / Metropolitan Court civil (NMSA 35-3-3 / 34-8A-3) only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 6 years |
| Deposit statute | N.M. Stat. Ann. § 47-8-18 |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $10,000 (Magistrate Court / Metropolitan Court civil (NMSA 35-3-3 / 34-8A-3) only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | after the date of termination of the rental agreement or resident departure, whichever is later |
New Mexico return rule: 30 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Lincoln County court that hears small claims. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Lincoln County.
- The New Mexico business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. New Mexico Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the New Mexico filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: constable or sheriff; private process server.
Procedure source (medium confidence): Civil Docket Fee: To be collected prior to filing any civil lawsuit. NMSA 1978, § 35-6-1 .................. $72.00 Mediation Fee: To be collected upon filing small claims lawsuits. NMSA 1978, § 35-6-1 ................ $5.00
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Lincoln County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $628 | $0 | $628 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $873 | $0 | $873 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $998 | $0 | $998 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Lincoln County compare with other New Mexico counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $873: rank 10 of 32 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 20.5% of households rent in Lincoln County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Curry County | $921 |
| San Juan County | $881 |
| Lincoln County | $873 |
| San Miguel County | $854 |
| McKinley County | $852 |
| Grant County | $848 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 32 of 33 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Lincoln County
- Capitan
- Carrizozo
- Corona
- Ruidoso
- Ruidoso Downs
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- New Mexico Legal Aid: Free housing advice and representation for eligible residents, including evictions, subsidy termination and landlord-tenant disputes. Offices serve all New Mexico counties; most of San Juan county is covered by partner DNA People's Legal Services.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Lincoln County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Lincoln County?
Lincoln County court that hears small claims is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.