New Mexico § 35-10-3 - Forcible entry or detainer; special provisions

Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 35-10-3 — Forcible entry or detainer; special provisions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-10-3. Forcible entry or detainer; special provisions

A. Except as provided in Section 35-10-1 NMSA 1978 , three days' notice in writing to quit must be given to the defendant before a civil

action for forcible entry or unlawful detainer may be filed. B. The return day of the summons in an action for forcible entry or unlawful detainer

shall be not less than three, nor more than ten, days from the time of service of

the civil complaint and summons on the defendant. Except by consent of the parties, no continuance shall be granted for more than

ten days. C. The questions of title or boundaries of land shall not be investigated in an action

for forcible entry or unlawful detainer, but the action does not prevent a party from

testing the right of property in any other manner. An action for forcible entry or unlawful detainer may not be brought in connection

with any other action, nor may it be made the subject of setoff. D. The right of a landlord in an action for forcible entry or unlawful detainer is

not affected by the underleasing of his tenant. E. When a lessee has been induced to take a lease by means of force, fraud or intimidation,

he may plead a paramount title in himself, an outstanding title or the want of title

in the lessor. F. Legal representatives of a person who, if alive, might have brought an action for

forcible entry or unlawful detainer may bring the action after his death. G. All laws and procedures governing magistrate courts apply to actions for forcible

entry or unlawful detainer in the magistrate court except as otherwise provided by

law.

Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 35-10-3

What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 35-10-3 cover?

Section 35-10-3 ("Forcible entry or detainer; special provisions") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Mexico § 35-10-3?

A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 35-10-3" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Mexico law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.

How does New Mexico § 35-10-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.