Can my landlord charge me the remaining rent if I break my lease?

Yes. Unless you have a legal reason to end your lease, you might owe rent until your landlord re-rents the property or until your lease naturally expires.

Is there an official Mississippi form for lease termination?

No, but renters should give landlords a written notice stating the address, move-out date, and legal reason for ending the lease.

What if my unit is unsafe or uninhabitable?

Inform your landlord in writing and ask for repairs. If not resolved, you may be allowed to terminate your lease—but keep records and seek help from your local Justice Court if needed.

Are there penalties for breaking a lease early for personal reasons?

Yes. Without a legally valid reason, you may be responsible for remaining rent, loss of your security deposit, or other charges detailed in your lease.

Who handles rental disputes in Mississippi?

Residential lease disputes are resolved through your local Justice Court. You can find your court at the Mississippi Judiciary’s official website.

Early Lease Termination in Mississippi: Penalties and Legal Options

Lease Agreements & Renewals Mississippi published: June 21, 2025

Ending a lease before its scheduled end can be stressful, especially if you're unsure about your rights as a renter in Mississippi. Understanding the legal and practical aspects of breaking a lease can help you avoid costly mistakes, unexpected penalties, and help you make informed decisions about your home.

When Is Breaking a Lease Early Allowed in Mississippi?

Mississippi law expects renters to honor their lease agreements, but there are situations where ending them early is legally permitted. The key governing law is the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1]. Common valid reasons include:

Active military duty: Protection is provided under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) for those called to active service.
Unsafe or uninhabitable conditions: If your rental is seriously unsafe or violates housing codes, you may be allowed to end the lease after proper notice.
Landlord harassment or illegal entry: Significant and repeated violations may create a route to lawful early termination.

Consequences for Early Termination Without Legal Grounds

If you break your lease without a legally valid reason, you may be responsible for:

Paying rent until the end of the lease, or until the unit is re-rented
Forfeiting all or part of your security deposit
Other financial penalties mentioned in your lease agreement

Landlords in Mississippi must make “reasonable efforts” to re-rent the unit—but you may still owe a portion of the cost if they can't find a new tenant quickly.

How to Legally End a Lease Early

Follow these steps for a smoother, legally compliant lease termination if you believe you have grounds:

Read your lease carefully and note any provisions about early termination.
Gather any evidence you need (such as inspection reports or military orders).
Provide the required written notice to your landlord. In Mississippi, standard notice for major repairs or lease violations is 30 days, but your situation may differ^[1].

Official Notice Forms in Mississippi

There is no single state-prescribed form for early lease termination by tenants in Mississippi. However, for protected reasons (such as unsafe living conditions), you may use or adapt a ‘Notice to Terminate Tenancy’ letter. Be sure your notice includes:

Your name, address, and contact details
The address of the property you are vacating
The date you intend to move out
Your specific legal reason for termination (if applicable)

Sample Notice Templates are available from Mississippi’s legal aid partners, but always ensure you’re referencing official or widely accepted content.

Getting Help from the Appropriate Tribunal

Residential tenancy issues and disputes in Mississippi are generally handled by your local Justice Court. This court deals with disputes over leases, deposits, and eviction matters. You can find your county court contact on the Mississippi Judiciary website.

Special Note: Military Protections and Domestic Violence

Military renters can use the federal SCRA to break a lease without penalty by supplying written notice and a copy of their orders. There is no statewide early lease break protection for victims of domestic violence, but check your lease or ask local advocacy agencies for guidance if this applies to you.

If you feel unsafe or are unsure about your rights, consulting with an attorney or reaching out to a local tenant resource is highly recommended.

Key Steps if You Need to Break Your Lease

Here’s a simple checklist if you’re considering early termination:

Review your lease and Mississippi’s tenant laws.
Document your reason and any correspondence.
Notify your landlord in writing—and keep a copy for your records.
Cooperate with showings or attempts to re-rent if required.
Return all keys, and request a final move-out inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mississippi Lease Breaks

Can my landlord charge me the remaining rent if I break my lease?
Yes, unless you have a legally protected reason, your landlord can request rent until the lease ends or until someone else moves in. However, they must make reasonable efforts to find a new tenant.
Is there a specific form for early lease termination in Mississippi?
No, but your written notice should state the needed details: your name, address, move-out date, and the reason for breaking the lease. Templates are available from official legal aid sources.
What should I do if my rental is unsafe?
Document the problems, give your landlord a written request for repairs, and—if unresolved—consider giving a termination notice. Local Justice Courts can help if disputes arise.
Are there penalties for breaking a lease early for personal reasons?
Yes. Unless your lease allows it or you have a legal reason, you may owe rent, lose your deposit, or pay other fees.
Who can help me with a lease dispute?
Your local Justice Court, legal services, or tenant advocacy groups can help resolve disagreements over early lease termination.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

It’s best to know your lease terms and state law before ending any rental agreement early.
Legal reasons for early termination limit penalties; otherwise, costs can add up fast.
A written notice is critical—always keep a copy and document all interactions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Find Your Local Justice Court to resolve tenant disputes and get court forms.
Mississippi Legal Services – Free or low-cost assistance for qualifying renters.
Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full text of current state rental laws.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Mississippi Resources