Mississippi Tenant Rights
Mississippi has very limited statutory tenant protections.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- 30 days for month-to-month tenancy
- Just Cause Required:
- No statewide just-cause requirement
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- 3 days for nonpayment (general statute); 14 days for lease violations (RLTA counties)
- Url Ta Adoption:
- RLTA applies only in counties that have adopted it
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- No statutory cap on security deposits
- Return Deadline:
- 45 days after tenancy ends (RLTA counties); no statutory requirement in other counties
- Interest Required:
- No
- Itemization Required:
- Yes in RLTA counties; no specific requirement elsewhere
- Remedies Limited:
- Limited remedies for improper withholding outside RLTA counties
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Not codified in Mississippi law
- Rent Withholding:
- Not permitted under Mississippi law
- Habitability Standard:
- Housing code compliance required in RLTA counties; common law applies elsewhere
- Remedies Available:
- Limited — breach of contract claim; constructive eviction in severe cases
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- Narrow anti-retaliation protection in RLTA counties; no specific harassment statute
- Penalties:
- Tenant may raise retaliation as defense in eviction proceedings
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes in RLTA counties — narrow protection
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- Reasonable notice required in RLTA counties; no statutory standard elsewhere
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without prior notice in emergency situations
- Common Law Standard:
- 24 hours is the generally accepted standard
- Time Of Entry:
- Must be at a reasonable time
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.