Biloxi sits on the Gulf Coast in Harrison County and is home to a large renter population drawn by the tourism and gaming industries. Mississippi's landlord-tenant law (Miss. Code §§ 89-7-1 et seq. and 89-8-1 et seq.) provides a basic framework, but it is among the least protective in the country — Mississippi has not adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
There is no rent control anywhere in Mississippi, and no city may enact one. Rent can be increased to any amount with proper written notice as required by the lease. Renters in Biloxi should document all communications with their landlord in writing and retain copies of move-in inspection reports, rent receipts, and any maintenance requests.
Mississippi does not have a statewide rent control law, and no local government — including Biloxi — has enacted any rent stabilization ordinance. Landlords may raise rent by any amount and at any frequency, subject only to the notice terms in the lease and the anti-discrimination protections of the federal Fair Housing Act.
If you are on a fixed-term lease, your rent cannot be raised until the lease expires. For month-to-month tenancies, a landlord must give written notice of a rent increase as specified in the lease — at minimum, notice equal to one rental period before the increase takes effect is considered reasonable.
Mississippi's landlord-tenant statutes (Miss. Code §§ 89-7 and 89-8) cover the basic terms of the rental relationship. Landlords must keep the premises in a condition reasonably fit for human habitation under common-law principles, even though Mississippi has not enacted a statutory implied warranty of habitability. Courts can hold landlords liable when they knowingly rent units with dangerous, defective conditions.
Mississippi prohibits retaliatory evictions and lockouts as a matter of public policy, though the statutory protections are less detailed than in most states. If your landlord threatens to evict you or changes your locks after you complain to code enforcement, document everything and contact legal aid immediately. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing your belongings, or shutting off utilities without a court order — is prohibited.
The federal Fair Housing Act protects renters against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Mississippi's own fair housing law tracks federal protections. Contact HUD or Mississippi's Center for Legal Services if you believe you have been discriminated against.
Security deposit rules in Mississippi are set by Miss. Code § 89-8-21. There is no statutory cap on the deposit amount — a landlord may require one month's rent, two months' rent, or more, subject to any limit in your lease.
Return Deadline: After your tenancy ends, your landlord has 45 days to return the full deposit or provide a written, itemized statement of deductions along with any remaining balance.
Allowable Deductions: A landlord may deduct for unpaid rent, cleaning costs beyond normal wear and tear, and damage the tenant caused beyond ordinary use. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, routine carpet wear, small nail holes — is not a valid basis for a deduction.
Remedies for Wrongful Withholding: The statute does not impose an automatic penalty multiplier, but a landlord who retains a deposit in bad faith may be liable for damages up to $200 in addition to actual damages. If your landlord fails to comply, you can file a claim in Mississippi justice (small claims) court. Thorough move-in and move-out documentation is essential — photograph every room and keep copies of all correspondence.
Best Practices: Provide your forwarding address in writing at or before move-out, and document the unit's condition with timestamped photographs.
To evict a tenant in Biloxi, a landlord must first serve proper written notice. For nonpayment of rent, Mississippi law requires a 3-day notice to pay or quit (Miss. Code § 89-7-27). For a material lease violation, the notice period is determined by the lease or by court practice. To end a month-to-month tenancy, 30 days written notice is required (Miss. Code § 89-8-19).
After proper notice expires, the landlord must file an eviction (unlawful detainer) action in Harrison County Justice Court. You have the right to appear and present a defense. A court order is required before any physical removal — self-help eviction is illegal. If a court rules against you, a constable or sheriff will execute the writ of possession, which typically gives you 24–72 hours to vacate.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney or local legal aid organization for advice specific to your situation.
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