Are Any Eviction Protections Still Available for Renters in Mississippi?

Mississippi renters may wonder if any COVID-19 eviction protections are still in effect. While most federal and state emergency measures have ended, some local and procedural protections, as well as rights under Mississippi’s landlord-tenant law, still apply. This guide explains what renters need to know now, including current rules, official forms, and where to get help if you receive an eviction notice.

What Changed After COVID-19? Eviction Protections in Mississippi Today

During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal eviction moratoriums and some rental assistance programs gave renters significant protections. The CDC federal eviction moratorium and most state-level restrictions have now expired. Mississippi does not have an active statewide eviction moratorium or emergency COVID-19-based protections as of 2024.

• The federal CDC eviction moratorium ended on August 26, 2021.
• Mississippi did not extend state-level eviction protections after federal rules ended.
• Some rental assistance programs may still offer support to cover back rent or avoid eviction—see the resources section for links.

However, normal state eviction rules and notice periods continue to apply under Mississippi landlord-tenant law.

What Are the Current Eviction Rules in Mississippi?

Landlords must still follow the law before evicting anyone. Here are key requirements under the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act:

• Written Notice: Landlords must provide renters with a written notice before filing for eviction. For unpaid rent, this is usually a 3-day written notice.
• Due Process: You have the right to attend your eviction hearing in court and present your case.
• No "Self-Help" Evictions: Your landlord cannot lock you out or remove your belongings without a court order.

Official Forms You Might Encounter

If you are facing eviction, you may receive or need to use the following forms:

• 3-Day Notice to Quit (Nonpayment of Rent): This is used by the landlord to tell you that rent is overdue and give you three days to pay or move out. If you receive this, take it seriously and try to pay or reach an agreement quickly. There is no required state-issued form, but your landlord’s notice must be in writing. Learn more at the Mississippi Judiciary Eviction Instructions page.
• Summons and Complaint (Unlawful Entry and Detainer): If the landlord files for eviction, you'll get a court document called a "Summons and Complaint." This tells you the date of your court hearing. Carefully read the summons, mark the hearing date, and prepare your documents or contact legal help.
• Affidavit of Answer (Justice Court): You may wish to respond to the court using an ‘Answer’ form if you intend to contest the eviction. For details, visit your county's Justice Court website for local filing instructions.

Who Handles Evictions in Mississippi?

Evictions in Mississippi are handled by the Mississippi Justice Courts at the county level. These courts process "unlawful entry and detainer" actions (the legal term for evictions). You can find your local Justice Court here.

What Should I Do if I Get an Eviction Notice?

Take every eviction notice seriously. Here are your next steps:

• Read the notice carefully and check your timeline. Mississippi law requires a minimum of 3 days’ notice for nonpayment of rent.
• Reach out to your landlord to discuss payment options or see if a payment plan is possible.
• Gather evidence of your payments, rental assistance applications, or any communications.
• Contact Mississippi’s free or low-cost legal assistance services for renters (see resources below).
• Attend your court hearing—bring all documents and be prepared to share your side.

You can view the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for state law details or ask your Justice Court clerk about local forms and timing.

COVID-19 Rental Assistance: Is Help Still Available?

Although the Mississippi Emergency Rental Assistance Program has ended new applications as of 2024, some local non-profits and government programs may still offer limited help. Find information and updates through the MS Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Mississippi Home Corporation.

1. Are there any COVID-19 eviction protections left in Mississippi?
   Most special COVID-19 eviction protections, such as the CDC moratorium, have expired in Mississippi. Your primary protections now come from standard state landlord-tenant law. If you have concerns, review your notice and seek legal advice as soon as possible.
2. What happens if I get a 3-day eviction notice?
   If you receive a written 3-day Notice to Quit for unpaid rent, you have three days to pay or move out. Paying within this time typically stops the eviction process. If you don’t pay or move, your landlord can file an eviction complaint with the local Justice Court.
3. How soon can I be evicted after court?
   The court will set a hearing date. If the judge grants an eviction, you may be required to leave immediately or within a short period, depending on the court order. Failure to leave can result in law enforcement involvement.
4. Can I get help with rent if I am behind?
   Some local resources may still have funds to help with rent or utilities, even though statewide emergency programs have stopped taking new applications. Contact local agencies or charitable organizations listed below.
5. Can my landlord evict me without going to court?
   No. In Mississippi, your landlord must go through the proper legal process and get a court order. Lockouts or utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Justice Courts Directory – Find your county court for eviction filings and instructions
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full state law text
• Mississippi Center for Justice – Free and low-cost renter legal advice
• Mississippi Legal Services – Apply for legal help and find resources for eviction defense
• Mississippi Home Corporation – Rental and housing support information

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1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8)
2. CDC Federal Eviction Moratorium Information
3. Mississippi Justice Courts Eviction Resources
4. Mississippi Emergency Rental Assistance Program

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