Mississippi Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Miss. Code §89-8-21 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 45 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 45 calendar days, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages under Miss. Code §89-8-21.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 45 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $3,500
Additional Protections
- Landlord must provide itemized statement of deductions within 45 days
What Your Mississippi Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Mississippi's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Miss. Code §89-8-21 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
45 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
tenant may recover actual damages — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Mississippi Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Mississippi?
Under Miss. Code §89-8-21, your landlord has 45 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Mississippi landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages under Miss. Code §89-8-21. You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Mississippi?
Under Miss. Code §89-8-21, the maximum security deposit in Mississippi is no statutory limit.
Does my Mississippi landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Mississippi law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 45 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi small claims court handles cases up to $3,500. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Mississippi?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Mississippi-specific demand letter citing Miss. Code §89-8-21 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
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