Security Deposit in Mississippi
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Mississippi imposes no statewide security deposit regulations; local ordinances may apply.
How Mississippi treats Security Deposit
Mississippi does not have comprehensive state-level security deposit laws, leaving regulation primarily to local municipalities and lease agreements. Landlords and tenants should check local city or county ordinances for specific requirements. In the absence of local rules, the terms of the lease agreement generally govern deposit handling. Disputes over deposits may be resolved through small claims court or civil litigation.
The general definition of Security Deposit
Money a tenant pays upfront to a landlord as a guarantee against damage or unpaid rent.
A security deposit is cash that a tenant gives to a landlord at the start of a lease, held as insurance against property damage or unpaid rent. The landlord must keep this money in a separate account and return it to the tenant when the lease ends, minus any deductions for legitimate damages or unpaid bills. Most states have strict rules about how quickly landlords must return deposits (often 30–45 days) and require them to itemize any deductions. If a landlord wrongfully keeps the deposit, the tenant can sue for the full amount plus penalties.
Read the full Security Deposit entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.