Mississippi Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Mississippi renters.
Return deadline
45 days
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Amount withheld plus up to $200 punitive damages for bad faith
Governing statute
Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21
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Check my Mississippi deadlineMississippi security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Mississippi?
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21, a Mississippi landlord generally has 45 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if a Mississippi landlord returns the deposit late?
Amount withheld plus up to $200 punitive damages for bad faith. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Mississippi landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Mississippi?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.