Last updated: April 2026
Jackson renters face some of the most limited statutory protections in the country. This guide explains exactly what Mississippi law requires of landlords — and where to turn when problems arise.
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Jackson is the capital and largest city of Mississippi, with a population of roughly 150,000 residents in Hinds County. A significant portion of Jackson households are renters, and many tenants in the metro area search for information about eviction procedures, security deposit return, and what — if anything — limits how much a landlord can raise rent. The short answer is: very little under Mississippi state law.
Mississippi is one of the few remaining states that has not adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) and does not recognize a statutory implied warranty of habitability. This means Jackson renters have fewer automatic legal protections than tenants in most other states. Your written lease is your most important document — it will govern most disputes you have with your landlord. Understanding the limited protections that do exist under Mississippi statutes and local housing codes is essential for every renter in the city.
This page is intended as an informational resource only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and individual circumstances vary. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or unsafe housing conditions, contact a qualified attorney or one of the legal aid organizations listed at the bottom of this page.
Jackson has no rent control ordinance, and no Mississippi city does. Mississippi state law does not preempt rent control through a single explicit preemption statute the way some states do; rather, no Mississippi municipality has ever enacted a rent stabilization or rent control ordinance, and the state's overall landlord-tenant framework provides no mechanism for capping rent increases.
In practice, this means a Jackson landlord can raise your rent by any amount, at any time, as long as they provide proper written notice before the next rental period begins. For month-to-month tenants, that means at least 30 days' written notice under Miss. Code § 89-8-19. For tenants with a fixed-term lease, the rent is locked in for the lease term — but at renewal, the landlord may set a new rate without restriction.
There is no local housing authority in Jackson that administers rent stabilization programs or reviews rent increase requests. If your landlord raises your rent mid-lease in violation of your written agreement, that may be a contract dispute — consult a legal aid organization for guidance.
Notice to Terminate (Miss. Code § 89-8-19): A landlord or tenant must provide at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. This notice must be given before the start of the rental period in which termination will take effect. A landlord who fails to provide proper notice cannot immediately pursue eviction.
Implied Warranty of Habitability: Mississippi does not have a statutory implied warranty of habitability — it is one of the few states that has not codified this protection. However, Mississippi common law holds that a landlord may be liable in tort if they knowingly lease a property with a latent, dangerous defect they did not disclose. Tenants may also have recourse through the City of Jackson's code enforcement division if the property violates local housing codes. Do not withhold rent without legal guidance, as Mississippi law does not authorize rent withholding or repair-and-deduct remedies by statute.
Eviction Protections (Miss. Code § 89-7-27 and § 89-7-31): A landlord must give written notice before pursuing eviction. For nonpayment of rent, the notice period is 3 days (Miss. Code § 89-7-27). After the notice period expires, the landlord must file for eviction (unlawful detainer) in Hinds County Justice Court — they cannot remove a tenant without a court order.
Anti-Retaliation: Mississippi has no specific anti-retaliation statute protecting tenants who complain about housing conditions or assert their legal rights. This is a significant gap compared to most states. Tenants should document all communications with landlords in writing and contact legal aid immediately if they suspect retaliatory action, such as a sudden rent increase or eviction filing following a code complaint.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Miss. Code § 89-7-27): Self-help eviction — including changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out — is prohibited under Mississippi law. A landlord who takes these actions may be subject to legal liability. Tenants who experience a lockout should contact law enforcement and a legal aid organization.
No State Statute Governs Security Deposits in Mississippi. Unlike most states, Mississippi has not enacted a statute that sets a cap on the security deposit amount, specifies a deadline for return, or mandates an itemized deduction statement. This is a critical gap that affects nearly every renter in Jackson.
Because no state statute applies, your rights regarding your security deposit are almost entirely determined by your written lease agreement. Before signing, review the lease carefully for: (1) the amount of the deposit; (2) the conditions under which deductions may be taken; (3) any stated deadline for return; and (4) what documentation the landlord must provide.
Best practices for Jackson renters include: taking dated photographs of every room at move-in and move-out; requesting a written move-in condition checklist signed by both parties; and sending a written forwarding address to your landlord by certified mail when you vacate. If your landlord refuses to return a deposit you believe is wrongfully withheld, your remedy is a civil lawsuit in Hinds County Small Claims Court (Justice Court), where you may seek the deposit amount plus any provable damages. Consult the Mississippi Center for Legal Services or a private attorney before filing.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, a Jackson landlord must serve the tenant with written notice. For nonpayment of rent, the required notice period is 3 days (Miss. Code § 89-7-27). For lease violations or termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause, 30 days' written notice is required (Miss. Code § 89-8-19). The notice must clearly state the reason for termination and, in the case of nonpayment, give the tenant the opportunity to pay or vacate.
Step 2 — Filing in Justice Court: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file a Complaint for Unlawful Detainer in Hinds County Justice Court. The tenant will be served with a summons and given a hearing date. Tenants have the right to appear and present a defense — common defenses include improper notice, payment of rent, or retaliation.
Step 3 — Court Hearing and Judgment: The Justice Court judge will hear both sides and issue a judgment. If the court rules in favor of the landlord, it will issue a Writ of Possession. The tenant will have a short period to vacate before the constable enforces the writ.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: A landlord may not remove a tenant's belongings, change the locks, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities as a means of forcing the tenant out. These actions constitute self-help eviction and are prohibited under Miss. Code § 89-7-27. A tenant who is locked out or has utilities shut off should contact the Jackson Police Department and seek immediate legal assistance.
No Just-Cause Requirement: Mississippi does not require landlords to state a reason for non-renewing a lease or terminating a month-to-month tenancy. A landlord may decline to renew your lease without explanation, provided proper notice is given.
No. Jackson has no rent control ordinance, and no Mississippi city has enacted one. Mississippi state law does not cap rent increases, meaning landlords in Jackson may raise rent by any amount. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect, pursuant to Miss. Code § 89-8-19. Tenants with a fixed-term lease are protected from mid-lease rent increases by the terms of their written agreement.
There is no legal limit on how much a Jackson landlord can raise your rent. Mississippi has no rent stabilization law and no local ordinance in Jackson restricts rent increases. If you are on a month-to-month lease, your landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before the new rent amount takes effect (Miss. Code § 89-8-19). If you have a fixed-term lease, the rent cannot be raised until the lease expires, at which point the landlord may set any new rate.
Mississippi has no state statute that sets a deadline for returning a security deposit or that caps the deposit amount. Your rights are governed almost entirely by your written lease. To protect yourself, document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with photographs, and provide your forwarding address to your landlord in writing when you vacate. If your deposit is wrongfully withheld, you may sue in Hinds County Justice Court (Small Claims) for the deposit amount and any provable damages.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give you a written 3-day notice to pay or vacate before filing for eviction (Miss. Code § 89-7-27). For terminating a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must provide 30 days' written notice (Miss. Code § 89-8-19). After the notice period expires without compliance, the landlord must file an Unlawful Detainer action in Hinds County Justice Court — they cannot remove you without a court order and a Writ of Possession.
No. Self-help eviction — including changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out — is prohibited under Mississippi law (Miss. Code § 89-7-27). A landlord must obtain a court order and a Writ of Possession before a constable can lawfully remove you from the property. If your landlord locks you out or cuts your utilities, contact the Jackson Police Department and reach out to a legal aid organization immediately.
Mississippi does not have a statutory implied warranty of habitability, which means renters have fewer automatic remedies than in most states — you generally cannot withhold rent or repair-and-deduct without risking eviction. However, you can file a complaint with the City of Jackson's Code Enforcement division if the condition violates local housing or building codes. Under Mississippi common law, a landlord may also face tort liability for knowingly leasing a unit with a dangerous, undisclosed defect. Contact the Mississippi Center for Legal Services or another legal aid organization to discuss your specific situation before taking any action.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are subject to change, and individual circumstances vary significantly. Nothing on this page creates an attorney-client relationship. If you are facing an eviction, a security deposit dispute, unsafe housing conditions, or any other landlord-tenant issue in Jackson, Mississippi, you should consult a qualified attorney or contact a legal aid organization in your area to obtain advice specific to your situation. RentCheckMe makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information presented here.
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