Mississippi is one of the many U.S. states where rent control is not allowed. This means the state government and local cities or counties cannot create any rules to limit how much landlords can increase rent.
Because of this, landlords have full control over rent prices, and they can raise the rent as much as they want—as long as they follow proper notice rules.
For tenants, this lack of rent control can make it hard to afford housing, especially when prices are rising quickly. Let’s take a closer look at what the laws in Mississippi say about rent increases, tenant rights, and how things compare to other states.
No Rent Control in Mississippi
Mississippi does not have statewide rent control and does not allow local governments to create their own rent control rules. This gives landlords total freedom to decide how much rent to charge.
There are no rules that say how often rent can be raised or by how much. Even large rent increases of 25%, 50%, or more are allowed under state law, as long as proper notice is given to the tenant.
When and How Rent Can Be Increased
Even though there are no limits on rent amounts, Mississippi landlords must follow some notice requirements before increasing rent.
For Month-to-Month Rentals:
Landlords must give 30 days written notice before raising the rent.
Example: If a landlord wants the new rent to start on June 1st, they must tell the tenant by May 1st.
For Fixed-Term Leases (like a 1-year lease):
Landlords can’t raise the rent until the lease ends.
To increase rent at the end of a 12-month lease, the landlord must give at least 30 days notice before the lease ends.
If a landlord fails to give enough notice, they cannot charge the new rent until the proper notice period has passed.
How Often Can Rent Be Raised?
In Mississippi, there is no law stopping a landlord from raising the rent as often as they want.
As long as they give proper notice, landlords can increase the rent multiple times a year, even within the same lease period.
This can make it hard for tenants to plan their budgets or stay in the same home long term. There are no protections against repeated or back-to-back rent hikes.
How Much Can Rent Be Raised?
Landlords in Mississippi can raise rent by any amount. There are no limits or percentage caps on rent increases.
This is different from other states that allow only small, inflation-based increases. In Mississippi, a landlord can raise rent to match the market or for any other reason they choose.
Even very large rent hikes are allowed as long as the tenant is given the correct notice.
Are There Any Protections for Tenants?
While Mississippi doesn’t offer much protection when it comes to rent prices, there are still a few basic rights tenants should know:
No Retaliation
Landlords cannot increase rent or evict a tenant just because the tenant complained about repairs or exercised their legal rights. If a rent hike happens right after a tenant reports a problem, the tenant might be able to prove the landlord acted in retaliation.
Basic Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords are required to:
- Keep rental properties safe and livable
- Make repairs when needed
- Provide proper notice before entering the rental
- Return security deposits within 45 days of moving out
Eviction Rules in Mississippi
Before evicting a tenant, landlords must:
- Give 30 days written notice for month-to-month leases
- Wait until a fixed-term lease ends or is violated
If the tenant doesn’t move out, the landlord must take the case to Justice Court. If the court agrees, an eviction order will be issued. The eviction process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
How Mississippi Compares to Other States
In contrast to Mississippi, many other states have rent control laws or tenant-friendly rules, such as:
- California, New York, Oregon, and Maryland limit how much landlords can raise rent each year
- Some cities like Los Angeles and New York City have special boards that set rent increase limits
- Other states limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits, but Mississippi has no deposit cap
Because Mississippi has no rent control or limits, tenants are more vulnerable to large rent hikes and sudden changes in rent prices. This makes the state much more favorable to landlords than renters.
Mississippi has some of the least regulated rent laws in the country. Landlords can raise rents as often and by as much as they want, as long as they provide proper written notice. There are no laws to limit rent increases, no approval process, and no rent control at the local or state level.
While tenants do have basic rights like protection from retaliation and the right to a safe home, these protections do not include limits on rent prices.
That means tenants in Mississippi should be prepared for possible rent hikes and should always read their lease agreements carefully. If you’re renting in Mississippi, knowing your rights and staying informed is the best way to protect yourself.
