Mississippi Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

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.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenancy laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Mississippi Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Mississippi is one of the more flexible states regarding security deposits. There is no statutory limit on how much a landlord can charge. However, landlords must return the security deposit (or the remaining balance) within 45 days after the tenant vacates the property and the tenancy terminates.

If deductions are made for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning costs, the landlord must provide a written, itemized list of those deductions. Failing to return the deposit or the itemized list within 45 days can result in the landlord forfeiting the right to hold any portion of the deposit.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.

Rent Increases

Mississippi law expressly prohibits local municipalities from enacting rent control ordinances. There are no state caps on how much or how frequently rent can be increased.

However, landlords must provide proper notice:

• Month-to-month leases: Minimum 30 days' written notice before the effective date of the increase.
• Fixed-term leases: Rent cannot be increased during the term unless the lease specifically includes a rent escalation clause.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Eviction Procedures

The Mississippi eviction process (often referred to legally as "unlawful detainer") moves relatively quickly depending on the reason for eviction:

Non-Payment of Rent

If a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord must provide a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. If the tenant does not pay the full amount owed within three days, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit in court.

Lease Violations

For material non-compliance with the lease agreement, the landlord must issue a 14-Day Notice to Remedy or Quit. The tenant has 14 days to fix the violation. If they commit the same violation again within a six-month period, the landlord can issue a 14-day unconditional notice to quit (no opportunity to cure).

End of Lease Termination

To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, a landlord must provide a 30-day written notice. Self-help evictions (like changing locks or shutting off utilities) are illegal.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Maintenance and Habitability

Under the implied warranty of habitability, Mississippi landlords are legally obligated to provide a safe, sanitary, and livable environment. This means landlords must comply with all applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety, and keep plumbing, heating, and structural elements in good repair.

Repair and Deduct Remedy: If a landlord fails to make critical repairs after receiving a 30-day written notice, the tenant may hire a professional to fix it and deduct the cost from their rent. However, this is capped at an amount equal to one month's rent, the tenant must be current on rent payments, and this remedy can only be used once every six months.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Required Disclosures

Mississippi state law requires very few specific disclosures compared to other states. The only universally mandated disclosure is federal: landlords must provide tenants with information regarding lead-based paint hazards for any property built before 1978.

However, landlords must ensure the lease transparently details all fees, security deposit handling, and maintenance responsibilities.

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.

Getting Started with Compliance

Navigating Mississippi's property laws requires clear written agreements, strict adherence to notice periods, and timely security deposit returns. Landager simplifies this process by providing state-specific lease templates, automated rent collection, and easy-to-track maintenance features that ensure you remain compliant while protecting your investment.

Explore more Mississippi compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees