Bernalillo County Assessor Accused of Unfair Short-Term Rental Tax Policies

Candidate Linda Stover criticizes Assessor Damian Lara's disputed interpretation and unequal treatment of property owners.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:52am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a single-family home in warm, golden light, capturing the quiet unease of the ongoing short-term rental tax dispute.As the debate over short-term rental regulations continues, homeowners in Bernalillo County face an unsettled tax landscape.Albuquerque Today

Linda Stover, a candidate for Bernalillo County Assessor, is criticizing the current Assessor Damian Lara for his handling of short-term rental property taxes. Stover alleges that Lara moved ahead with a disputed interpretation that created confusion and unequal treatment for homeowners across the state, despite a legislative request to pause further reclassification. Stover also accuses Lara of giving misleading information to property owners and using public resources for his reelection campaign, which she says is a breach of public trust.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the importance of fairness, transparency and dependable service from the Bernalillo County Assessor's office. The disputed short-term rental tax policies have caused confusion and unequal treatment for property owners, raising concerns about the assessor's adherence to the public interest.

The details

Stover, who has experience as a county clerk, mortgage lender and Realtor, argues that the assessor should have waited for the state legislature to provide clear guidance on short-term rental taxation before making changes. Instead, Lara's actions created confusion and unequal treatment, with most other counties not taking the same approach. Stover also alleges that Lara blocked the county treasurer's access to the computer program they share, and gave misleading information to property owners about living trusts, leading to a class-action lawsuit.

  • In 2023, the state legislature passed House Memorial 52, calling for a statewide study on the economic impact, taxation and regulation of short-term rentals.
  • Despite the legislative request to pause further reclassification, Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara moved ahead with his disputed interpretation in 2024.
  • In 2025, the county treasurer started correcting the reclassification of certain short-term rentals, but Lara blocked the treasurer's access to their shared computer program.

The players

Linda Stover

A candidate for Bernalillo County Assessor, Stover has experience as a county clerk, mortgage lender and Realtor. She is criticizing the current assessor's handling of short-term rental taxes.

Damian Lara

The current Bernalillo County Assessor, who Stover accuses of creating confusion and unequal treatment through his disputed interpretation of short-term rental tax policies.

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What they’re saying

“I feel Bernalillo County property owners need an assessor who understands that fairness matters, and public trust matters. I contend the assessor should serve the public with clarity, restraint and common sense. That is the kind of assessor I intend to be.”

— Linda Stover, Candidate for Bernalillo County Assessor

What’s next

The judge's order for the assessor to reverse his actions and apologize to property owners regarding the living trust issue is still pending.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of the Bernalillo County Assessor's office adhering to principles of fairness, transparency and public service. Voters will have the opportunity to choose a new assessor who can restore trust and provide consistent, equitable treatment for all property owners.