N.M. Admin. Code § 19.2.22.20 - RELINQUISHMENT

A. A lessee may, with the approval of the commissioner, relinquish to the commissioner the lessee's interest in a planning and development lease. The commissioner may establish in the terms of a lease conditions pursuant to which the lessee may, at prescribed times, relinquish all or portions of the lease.

B. A lessee may request relinquishment of the lease on forms prescribed by the commissioner and upon payment of a relinquishment fee, provided that:

(1) the lessee is in compliance with the terms of the lease; and

(2) all improvements made pursuant to the lease on, for, or appurtenant to the lands leased have been approved by the commissioner and arrangements satisfactory to the commissioner have been made for either the removal or the retention of the improvements.

C. A lessee shall not, by relinquishment, avoid or be released from any liability for known or unknown waste or damage to trust lands, including but not limited to environmental damage, arising from or connected with lessee's use or occupancy of trust lands.

D. A relinquishment shall not be valid or effective until approved by the commissioner. Any attempted relinquishment of the lease, without the commissioner's approval, shall be a breach of the lease.

E. Upon relinquishment, a lessee shall not be entitled to the refund of any rent previously paid; however, a lessee seeking relinquishment in response to a request by the commissioner shall not be charged a fee, and shall be entitled to a pro-rata refund of prepaid rent to be paid only by the successor lessee, purchaser or other successor in interest, if any.

Notes

N.M. Admin. Code § 19.2.22.20

19.2.22.20 NMAC - N, 11/30/12