Mississippi Eviction Law at a Glance
State Statute
Miss. Code §89-7-27 — Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Notice Periods
- Nonpayment: 3-Day Pay or Quit
- Lease violation: 30-Day Cure or Quit
- Unconditional: 14-Day Unconditional Quit (Repeat Violation)
- End of tenancy: 30-Day Notice to Vacate
Available Defenses
- Habitability (Miss. Code §89-8-23)
- Retaliation (Miss. Code §89-8-17)
- Procedural defects
- Discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
Right to Cure
YES — Tenant has 3 days to pay past-due rent; 30 days to cure lease violations
Self-Help Eviction
PROHIBITED — Landlord must use court process (Miss. Code §89-8-15)
Court & Filing
Justice Court or County Court
Landlord must file eviction action in justice court
Complaints: Mississippi Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
Additional Protections
- Self-help eviction prohibited
- Mississippi has limited statutory tenant protections compared to most states
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Mississippi Eviction Response FAQ
How many days do I have to respond to an eviction notice in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the response deadline depends on the type of eviction notice: Nonpayment: 3-Day Pay or Quit; Lease violation: 30-Day Cure or Quit; Unconditional: 14-Day Unconditional Quit (Repeat Violation); End of tenancy: 30-Day Notice to Vacate. Missing your deadline can result in a default judgment and forced move-out.
What defenses can I raise against eviction in Mississippi?
Available defenses in Mississippi include: Habitability (Miss. Code §89-8-23), Retaliation (Miss. Code §89-8-17), Procedural defects, Discrimination (Fair Housing Act). The availability depends on your specific circumstances.
Does Mississippi require landlords to give tenants a right to cure?
Yes. Tenant has 3 days to pay past-due rent; 30 days to cure lease violations
Can my landlord evict me without going to court in Mississippi?
No. Under Miss. Code §89-8-15, self-help eviction is prohibited in Mississippi. Your landlord must file in Justice Court or County Court and obtain a judgment.
What should I include in an eviction response letter in Mississippi?
Your letter should: (1) identify the notice by date and type, (2) cite Miss. Code §89-7-27, (3) assert applicable defenses, (4) demand proper legal procedure, (5) state your intent to defend in court, and (6) be sent via certified mail.
Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Mississippi?
File complaints with the Mississippi Attorney General Consumer Protection Division and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For illegal self-help eviction, contact local law enforcement.
Eviction Response Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.