Mississippi · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Mississippi security deposit law

How much a landlord in Mississippi can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

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

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
Yes. 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

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Mississippi: Ask in writing and give your new address.
  3. 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.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $3,500 in Justice Court. Small claims court in Mississippi on Small Claims Map

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. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

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 letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

We suggest 14 days.

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

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

Questions about security deposits in Mississippi

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Mississippi?

no statewide limit

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Mississippi?

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.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Mississippi?

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)).

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Mississippi?

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.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Mississippi?

no

What is the small claims limit in Mississippi?

$3,500 in Justice Court.

More for Mississippi renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.