Mississippi Landlord Required Disclosures
Review the mandatory landlord disclosures in Mississippi, including federal lead-based paint laws and the importance of written lease transparency.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
The Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-1 et seq.), effective July 1, 1991, provides the primary framework for rental obligations in the state. Compared to states like California or New York, Mississippi places very few regulatory burdens on landlords regarding mandatory disclosures. However, landlords must still comply with sweeping federal requirements and are highly advised to make specific disclosures within their lease agreements to minimize legal liability.
Federal Mandatory Disclosure: Lead-Based Paint
The only strict, universally required disclosure for residential landlords in Mississippi comes from the federal government.
Under the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (42 U.S.C. § 4852d), landlords renting out residential housing built before 1978 must systematically disclose any known lead-based paint hazards.
Before a lease is signed, the landlord must:
- Provide an EPA-approved pamphlet: Give the prospective tenant a copy of "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."
- Disclose known hazards: Inform the tenant of any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the specific unit or common areas.
- Provide records: Provide any existing records or reports regarding lead paint testing or hazards to the tenant.
- Include a Lead Warning Statement: The lease agreement must include a standard "Lead Warning Statement" and language confirming that the landlord has complied with all notification requirements.
Non-compliance with this federal rule can result in staggering fines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and exposure to massive civil liability if a child suffers lead poisoning.
State-Level Rules and Regulations Disclosure
While Mississippi does not have a broad "Identity of Landlord" disclosure statute, Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-11 dictates that any rules or regulations concerning the tenant's use and occupancy of the premises are only enforceable if they are in writing and presented to the tenant at the time they enter into the rental agreement.
Lack of Other State-Mandated Disclosures
Mississippi state law is notable for what it does not require a landlord to disclose. Unlike other jurisdictions, Mississippi landlords are not generally required by state statute to proactively disclose:
- History of bed bug infestations.
- Whether a previous occupant died in the unit (nondisclosure of "psychologically impacted" property is generally protected).
- If the property is located in a high-risk flood zone (though local ordinances may vary).
- Identification of the specific bank where the security deposit is held.
- The presence of environmental hazards like mold or asbestos (unless they actively render the unit uninhabitable).
Highly Recommended Best Practice Disclosures
Even though Mississippi statute does not explicitly demand them, establishing a clear, comprehensive lease agreement is the best way to protect your investment. To avoid disputes, your lease should clearly disclose:
- Security Deposit Policies: State exactly how much the deposit is, what it can be used for (e.g., unpaid rent, damages), and that it will be returned within the state-mandated 45 days (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21).
- Late Fee Rules: Mississippi requires late fees to be "reasonable." You must explicitly disclose the exact late fee percentage/amount and when it applies in the written lease; otherwise, you may face challenges in Justice Court enforcement.
- Right of Entry: Mississippi law does not dictate a specific notice period a landlord must give before entering a unit (except for emergencies). Without a specific statute, 24 hours is considered the industry standard. You should explicitly disclose your entry policy within the lease agreement.
- Maintenance Responsibilities: Disclose which party is responsible for specific types of upkeep, such as lawn care, HVAC filter replacement, and pest control (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-15).
Local Ordinances
Property owners should always verify regulations at the local level. While state disclosures are minimal, local cities may implement their own requirements. For example, the city of Jackson requires landlords to register rental properties. Always check with your local municipal code.
How Landager Helps
Landager tracks lease terms, important compliance dates, and documentation - making it easy to stay compliant with Mississippi regulations.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must Mississippi landlords provide to tenants?
Mississippi landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the Mississippi landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Mississippi's rental market is governed by the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 89, Chapter 8 of the Mississippi Code). The state is widely considered to have a landlord-friendly legal framework-there is no statewide rent control, no cap on security deposits, and a relatively streamlined eviction process for non-payment of rent. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Mississippi eviction process and how long does it take?
The Mississippi eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Mississippi. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Mississippi security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Mississippi has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Mississippi rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Mississippi has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Mississippi has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Mississippi?
Mississippi has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Mississippi state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Mississippi lease requirements for rental properties?
Mississippi recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Mississippi law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Mississippi landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Mississippi landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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