Mississippi Landlord Repair Responsibilities Explained

Understanding your landlord’s repair responsibilities can help you ensure your rental unit in Mississippi is safe and comfortable. The state's landlord-tenant laws set out clear requirements for landlords to maintain rental units, handle repairs, and ensure habitability. This guide explains your rights, how to request repairs, and the forms and agencies involved.

What Are Landlords Required to Repair in Mississippi?

Under the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must keep rental properties in a condition fit for living, often called "habitability." This means landlords are responsible for:

• Meeting all housing and safety codes affecting health and safety
• Making necessary repairs to keep the property safe and livable
• Keeping common areas clean and safe
• Maintaining in good and safe working order all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and appliances provided in the lease
• Supplying running water, hot water, and reasonable heat (unless agreed otherwise in the lease)

This means if something essential—such as heat, water, or plumbing—stops working, your landlord is legally required to fix it in a timely manner.

How to Request Repairs

When something in your rental unit breaks or becomes unsafe, notify your landlord in writing. Mississippi law requires you to give notice before you can take further action if repairs aren't made.

• Step 1: Provide written notice to your landlord describing the needed repair.
• If your landlord doesn't fix the problem within 14 days of receiving notice (or sooner for urgent issues), you may have further options.

Official Forms for Repair Requests

• Repair Request Letter: There is no mandated state form, but it’s best to use a written request so you have a record. Include your address, date, clear description of the issue, and a request for repair within 14 days. Send by mail or deliver with proof.
• Notice of Termination for Landlord’s Failure to Maintain (Mississippi Code § 89-8-13): If repairs are not made after proper notice, you can submit written notice of intent to end your lease if not fixed in 14 days. See sample language and rules in the Mississippi statutes linked above or contact the Mississippi Attorney General's Office for guidance.

Always keep copies of any notices and correspondence for your records.

What to Do if Your Landlord Refuses to Repair

If your landlord does not address important health and safety repairs after notice, you have several options under Mississippi law:

• Terminate Your Lease: You may legally end your lease if repairs aren’t made within 14 days after written notice, as permitted by Mississippi Code § 89-8-13 (see the official law text).
• File a Complaint: Contact the Mississippi Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. They provide resources on tenant rights and can help mediate issues regarding substandard housing or landlord neglect.
• Seek Legal Aid: For serious issues, such as loss of utilities or unsafe conditions, you may consider consulting with Mississippi Center for Justice or similar organizations for guidance.

The official body handling rental disputes is the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. Courts in Mississippi (usually Justice Court or County Court) may also handle landlord-tenant disputes.

Summary of Repair Rights

In short, landlords must keep rentals safe and functional. Renters must provide written notice before taking further steps. If issues go unresolved, renters can end the lease or contact authorities for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What repairs must my landlord make in Mississippi?
   Your landlord must repair anything that affects health and safety, including plumbing, heating, water, and common areas. They also must follow all housing codes.
2. How long does my landlord have to make repairs?
   Generally, landlords have 14 days to make repairs after receiving written notice. For urgent issues, the timeline may be shorter.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs are not made?
   No, Mississippi law does not allow rent withholding. Instead, you may terminate your lease if repairs aren’t done within the notice period after proper written request.
4. How do I give my landlord written notice?
   Write a letter describing the problem, include the date and your contact information, and deliver it in a way that you can prove (certified mail or email with a read receipt).
5. Who do I contact if repairs still aren’t made?
   Contact the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or seek legal help from organizations like the Mississippi Center for Justice.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

• Landlords must keep rental units safe and meet habitability standards under Mississippi law.
• Always provide written notice and allow time for repairs to be made.
• If repairs aren’t made, you may end your lease (with proper notice) or seek help from state agencies.

Knowing these steps and keeping records helps you maintain your rights as a Mississippi renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – Tenant complaints and legal inquiries
• Mississippi Center for Justice – Free legal aid for renters
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Official Text)
• HUD Mississippi Renters Resource Page

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1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Title 89, Chapter 8
2. Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division
3. Mississippi Center for Justice
4. HUD Mississippi resources

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