Mississippi · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Mississippi security deposit law

In Mississippi, your landlord has 45 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026

Short answer

In Mississippi, the deposit limit is: no statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: The landlord must return what is left of the deposit no later than 45 days after all of these happen: your tenancy ends, you give back possession, and you ask for the deposit.

deposit limit: No statewide limit
to return a deposit: 45 days
deposit penalty: See below

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Mississippi: Ask in writing and give your new address.
Wait for the deadline: The landlord must return what is left of the deposit no later than 45 days after all of these happen: your tenancy ends, you give back possession, and you ask for the deposit.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $3,500 in Justice Court. Small claims court in Mississippi on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Mississippi

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Mississippi

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

By downloading, you agree that we save the details you entered, as explained in our Privacy Policy.

Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Mississippi

Limit: no statewide limit
Deadline to return it: The landlord must return what is left of the deposit no later than 45 days after all of these happen: your tenancy ends, you give back possession, and you ask for the deposit. Ask in writing and give your new address.
Itemized list: The landlord must claim any part of the deposit by written notice that itemizes the amounts claimed. Receipts are not required by the statute.
What may be deducted: Only amounts reasonably needed to cover unpaid rent, repair damage you caused beyond ordinary wear and tear, clean the unit at the end of the tenancy, or other reasonable and necessary expenses caused by your default, if the deposit was made for those purposes.
Interest: no
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: If the landlord keeps the deposit in violation of the law and without good faith, you can recover your actual damages plus up to $200 more (Miss. Code §89-8-21(4)).
Law: Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-21

Small claims court in Mississippi

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $3,500 in Justice Court.

How to file in Mississippi

More for Mississippi renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026