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States/Mississippi/Security Deposit
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Mississippi Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Mississippi § 89-8-21 limits deposit claims to reasonably necessary amounts for specified tenant defaults and requires written itemization. Any remaining deposit is due no later than 45 days after tenancy termination, delivery of possession and tenant demand.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited
Return period45 days

After all three statutory trigger facts are satisfied.

Withholding noticeWritten + itemized

For any portion claimed.

Ordinary wearExcluded

From tenant-damage deductions.

What to preserve

  • Rental agreement and deposit receipt.
  • Tenancy termination date.
  • Date possession was delivered.
  • Tenant demand and proof of delivery.
  • Written itemized withholding notice.
  • Move-in and move-out evidence.
  • Refund amount and date.
Mississippi’s 45-day period has three trigger facts. Do not count from move-out alone if demand or possession delivery occurred later. Educational information only.

Official sources

Mississippi Attorney GeneralMississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — § 89-8-21 ↗

Official Mississippi Attorney General publication reproducing § 89-8-21, including deductions, itemization, the 45-day multi-trigger rule and bad-faith damages.

Mississippi Legislature2026 HB 499 — Residential Landlord and Tenant Act amendments ↗

Official 2026 legislative text referencing security recoverable under § 89-8-21 while amending other Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provisions; used as a current-session cross-check.

Related Mississippi guides

45-Day Rule →Allowed Deductions →Itemized Notice →Ordinary Wear →