Emergency Repairs for Mississippi Renters: When to Call Yourself

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Mississippi and facing a sudden plumbing leak, no heat in winter, or an unsafe electrical problem, knowing your rights and what to do is essential. Emergency repairs can’t wait—but are you allowed to hire a professional to do the work yourself? This guide explains when, how, and what to document if you need urgent repairs as a renter in Mississippi.

Understanding Emergency Repairs in Mississippi Rentals

Mississippi law defines emergencies as repairs that are immediately necessary to protect life, health, or safety—for example, sewage backups, broken heating during cold weather, or a major water leak.

• No working heat in dangerous cold
• Major plumbing leaks or sewage overflow
• Total power outage from unsafe wiring (not general outages)
• No working toilet or essential services
• Anything that makes the home unfit for living

Smaller issues (like a leaky faucet or slow drain) do not count as emergencies, but must still be addressed within a reasonable time.

Landlord Duties: What the Law Says

Under the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-23), landlords must:

• Keep the rental property in a safe and habitable condition
• Make repairs required by building and health codes
• Fix emergency hazards within a reasonable time after being notified

If they are notified of emergency repair needs, landlords are expected to act quickly—for major hazards, usually within 24 hours.

When Can You Call a Professional for Emergency Repairs?

Mississippi law lets renters arrange emergency repairs only in very limited situations:

• You must have notified your landlord (in writing, if possible) and given them a reasonable time to make the repair.
• If they do not fix the problem and the issue seriously affects health or safety, you may have the right to pay for only essential emergency repairs—up to an amount equal to one month’s rent.

Before acting, always:

• Document the repair issue (photos, videos, notes)
• Give written notice to your landlord right away (email, text, or certified letter)
• Allow reasonable time for the landlord to respond, unless using the premises is impossible or unsafe

If your landlord still does not act and the repair is truly essential, you may:

• Arrange for the repair yourself
• Keep detailed receipts
• Deduct the actual and reasonable cost (up to one month’s rent) from your next rent payment, providing copies of the notice and receipts

Note: This process—called repair and deduct—is your right only for genuine emergencies and after you’ve given proper notice. Misusing it could lead to legal issues or even eviction. If unsure, reach out for legal support before taking action.

Required Forms and Key Documents

• Notice of Repair Need: Always provide written notice to your landlord. Mississippi does not provide a standardized form, but a simple letter or email that states the problem, date, and request for urgent repair is sufficient. Include photos where possible.
• Proof of Receipts: If you pay for emergency work, keep all receipts and documentation. Provide copies to your landlord along with your next rent payment.
• Complaint to Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: If your landlord fails to keep the unit habitable or disputes deductions, you can file a complaint using the Mississippi Consumer Complaint Form. This is useful if negotiations break down or you face retaliation.

For step-by-step help on contacting your landlord and documenting repairs, see the How-To Steps at the end of this article.

Your Rights and Protections Under Mississippi Law

The main protection for tenants in Mississippi is the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act § 89-8-23. It covers:

• Habitability standards (the right to safe living conditions)
• Repair notices and deadlines
• The repair and deduct process (for emergencies only)

Official Body Handling Rental Disputes

Mississippi does not have a statewide landlord-tenant tribunal. Disputes are typically handled in your local Justice Court. The court oversees habitability disputes, withheld rent cases, and eviction hearings where repairs are at issue.

Key Practical Steps If You Need Emergency Repairs

• Identify the issue and assess whether it is an emergency.
• Contact your landlord immediately, with written notice (text, letter, email).
• Allow the landlord a reasonable time to respond.
• If nothing happens and the hazard is serious, consider contacting a licensed professional for necessary emergency repairs (up to one month’s rent), keeping detailed records.
• Give your landlord notice of the repair and submit receipts with your next rent payment, deducting the cost.
• If issues persist or you face retaliation, file a complaint with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or seek legal advice.

Remember, exercising your right to emergency repairs protects your health and safety but should be used cautiously and only after following all required steps.

Frequently Asked Questions: Emergency Repairs for Mississippi Renters

1. What is considered an emergency repair in Mississippi?
   Issues like no heat during extreme cold, major water leaks, sewage backups, or anything making your home unlivable count as emergency repairs.
2. What notice do I have to give before arranging emergency repairs?
   You must notify your landlord as soon as possible (preferably in writing), describe the problem, and allow a reasonable amount of time to respond before arranging the repair yourself.
3. Can I deduct the repair cost from my rent?
   Yes, but only for true emergencies and after proper notice. You may deduct up to one month’s rent for essential repairs, providing copies of your notice and receipts.
4. Who handles disputes about emergency repairs in Mississippi?
   Justice Court in your local county oversees most landlord-tenant disputes, including those about emergency repairs and habitability.
5. What should I do if my landlord retaliates after I report an emergency repair?
   Document what happened, save all communication, and consider filing a complaint with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – For complaints and renter protections
• Mississippi Center for Legal Services – Free legal assistance for eligible renters
• Mississippi Justice Courts Directory – For finding your local court
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (full legislation)

---

1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§ 89-8-23)
2. Mississippi Landlord-Tenant Law: Duties of Landlord to Maintain Premises
3. Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division
4. Mississippi Consumer Complaint Form
5. Mississippi Justice Court

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations