Mississippi Landlord Required Disclosures

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, 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:

1. Provide an EPA-approved pamphlet: Give the prospective tenant a copy of "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."
2. Disclose known hazards: Inform the tenant of any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the specific unit or common areas.
3. Provide records: Provide any existing records or reports regarding lead paint testing or hazards to the tenant.
4. 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.

Lack of 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.
• If the property is located in a high-risk flood zone (though local county/city ordinances, like in Gulfport, may differ).
• 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, cover 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.
• 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 cannot legally collect it.
• 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 rule, 24 to 48 hours is considered an industry standard "reasonable" notice. 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.

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 and has enacted localized tenant protection ordinances. 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.

Back to [Mississippi Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview] (/property-compliance/usa/mississippi/overview).