Eviction Laws in Mississippi
Non-payment of rent eviction in Mississippi
When a tenant falls behind on rent in Mississippi, the landlord must first serve a 3-day pay-or-quit notice. This gives the tenant 3 days to either pay the full amount owed or vacate. If the tenant does neither, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit — called an unlawful detainer or summary possession action — in Mississippi court.
A court order is required before any lockout. The landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove the tenant's belongings before winning a judgment.
Lease violation eviction in Mississippi
For non-payment lease violations — unauthorized pets, excess occupants, noise complaints, property damage — the landlord must give 30 days notice. The tenant has 30 days to cure (fix) the violation. If corrected within that window, the tenancy continues. If not cured, the landlord may proceed with filing.
Terminating month-to-month tenancy in Mississippi
To end a month-to-month rental agreement without cause, the landlord must give 30 days written notice. The tenant must give the same 30-day notice to end the tenancy.
Important Mississippi eviction details
Mississippi: 3-day notice for non-payment. 30-day notice for lease violations with 30 days to cure (§ 89-8-33). Month-to-month terminated with 30 days' notice.
What counts as an illegal eviction in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, a landlord who attempts to evict a tenant without following the legal process commits an illegal (self-help) eviction. This includes:
- Changing the locks without a court order
- Removing doors, windows, or the tenant's belongings
- Shutting off utilities (electricity, water, heat)
- Harassment designed to pressure the tenant to leave
Self-help evictions are prohibited in all 50 states and DC. Tenants who experience an illegal lockout can typically seek emergency relief from a court and may be entitled to damages.
Mississippi Eviction FAQ
- How many days notice does a landlord have to give for non-payment of rent in Mississippi?
- In Mississippi, a landlord must give at least 3 days' notice to pay or quit before filing for eviction for non-payment of rent, per Miss. Code § 89-8-13; § 89-8-33.
- How many days does a tenant have to fix a lease violation in Mississippi?
- In Mississippi, the landlord must give 30 days' notice for a lease violation. The tenant typically has 30 days to correct (cure) the violation before the landlord can proceed with eviction.
- How much notice is required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy in Mississippi?
- In Mississippi, a landlord must give 30 days' notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. The tenant must give the same amount of notice to end the tenancy.
- Can a landlord evict a tenant without going to court in Mississippi?
- No. Mississippi requires a court order to evict. Self-help evictions — changing locks, removing the tenant's belongings, or shutting off utilities — are illegal. The landlord must serve the required notice, wait the notice period, and then file an eviction lawsuit if the tenant does not comply.
- Does Mississippi require just cause to evict a tenant?
- No. Mississippi does not have a statewide just-cause eviction requirement. Landlords can terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving the required notice without stating a reason.