Are There Rent Caps or Rent Control Laws in Mississippi?

If you’re a renter in Mississippi, understanding whether there are any rent caps, rent control laws, or local ordinances protecting against steep rent increases is important for your housing stability. This guide explains the current legal landscape on rent caps and rent stabilization for Mississippi cities, who oversees landlord–tenant relationships, and what practical steps renters can take if facing sudden rent hikes.

Current Rent Control and Rent Cap Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi does not have any statewide rent control or rent cap laws. This means that, as of this year, there are no official state-level limits on how much your landlord can increase your rent, as long as they follow lease agreements and proper notice requirements. State law also prevents cities or counties from adopting their own rent control ordinances.^[1]

Can Any Mississippi Cities Establish Local Rent Caps?

Under Mississippi Code § 89-8-17, neither local governments nor municipalities can pass their own rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This means:

• No city in Mississippi (including Jackson, Gulfport, or Hattiesburg) has a valid local rent cap ordinance.
• There are no local rules limiting how much a landlord may increase rent.
• Rent increases are only regulated by your written lease and Mississippi’s landlord-tenant laws.^[2]

In summary: All cities and counties in Mississippi follow the same statewide rules, and do not have authority to create their own rent caps.

How Are Rent Increases Handled in Mississippi?

Even without rent control, landlords in Mississippi must follow notice rules. Here’s what renters need to know:

• Fixed-term leases (e.g., 1-year): Rent can only be increased at the end of the lease, unless the lease says otherwise.
• Month-to-month renters: Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before changing the rent.^[2]

What Should I Do If My Rent Is Raised?

If you receive a rent increase notice:

• Check your lease agreement for terms about rent changes.
• Verify that you received the proper 30-day notice in writing.
• If notice is not given, you may have grounds to dispute the increase.

Official Forms, Agencies, and How to Respond

Mississippi does not require renters to use a specific government form to respond to a rent increase, but some situations may call for written communication or filing a complaint. Here’s what you may need:

• Written Rent Increase Notice (from landlord): No form number. Landlords must provide a clear, written notice with the amount and date of increase. You should save a copy of any rent increase notice you receive.
• Rental Complaint Form: While there is no state-provided official complaint form, you can draft a written complaint to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. This can be used if you believe your rights have been violated or if you didn’t receive proper notice.

No dedicated housing tribunal exists in Mississippi. Disputes are typically handled through local Justice Courts or Consumer Protection Division.^[3]

Relevant Mississippi Tenancy Legislation

• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[2]

FAQ: Rent Increases and Tenant Rights in Mississippi

1. Are there any rent caps or rent control laws in Mississippi?
   No, Mississippi law does not allow any cities or counties to set rent caps or control rent increases.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before raising my rent?
   For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice.
3. What can I do if I think my rent increase is unfair?
   While there’s no limit on rent increases, you can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for help if correct notice was not provided.
4. Can my city pass its own rent control ordinance?
   No, Mississippi law prevents all local governments from enacting rent caps or rent control.
5. Who oversees landlord–tenant issues in Mississippi?
   Renters can seek assistance from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and local Justice Courts.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

• No city or county in Mississippi has legal authority to enact rent caps or rent control ordinances.
• Landlords may raise rent with correct advance notice, but not during a fixed-term lease unless stated in the lease.
• disputes go through local Justice Courts or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, not a housing tribunal.

Understanding these points helps you plan and advocate for yourself in Mississippi’s rental housing market.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – landlord–tenant complaints and resources
• Mississippi Landlord-Tenant Handbook – plain-language rental law guide
• Mississippi Justice Courts – for filing official complaints or rent-related disputes

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1. See Mississippi Code § 89-8-17.
2. Read the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
3. Visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and Mississippi Justice Court System.

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