Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Rentals: Mississippi Guide

Affordable housing is a concern for many in Mississippi, with rising rents and limited options. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program provides thousands of Mississippi households with affordable, quality rental homes. If you are a renter facing challenges with cost, repairs, or lease terms, understanding LIHTC properties and your rights under Mississippi laws can help you find and keep your housing.

What Are Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties?

LIHTC properties are rental homes built or renovated by developers who receive federal tax credits to keep rents affordable for low- and moderate-income households. In Mississippi, these properties are monitored by the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC), which ensures landlords follow income and rent guidelines.

How LIHTC Properties Work for Mississippi Renters

• Rent is capped based on your household income—typically 30%, 50%, or 60% of the area median income.
• Eligibility is typically verified through income documents, pay stubs, and proof of household members.
• Landlords must follow all Mississippi tenant-landlord laws, including rules for notices, maintenance, and security deposits.

Applying for a LIHTC unit means you may pay less rent and have extra protections under both federal and Mississippi state law.

Am I Eligible for a LIHTC Property in Mississippi?

To qualify, your income must fall below specific limits based on your county and household size. Property managers will require verification before you sign a lease. Eligibility rules and the application process can vary by location, so check listings on the Mississippi Home Corporation’s Rental Assistance page.

How to Apply for LIHTC Housing

• Find properties with openings on the Mississippi Home Corporation’s Rental Property directory.
• Contact the property manager for an application and a list of required documents (income, identification, etc.).
• Complete the landlord’s rental application and follow up as needed.

Waiting lists can be long, so apply early and keep your documents current.

Key Forms and Legal Protections for LIHTC Renters

Mississippi protects renters through state law and fair housing rules. Here are some essential forms and what they mean for you:

• Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
  Used when you need your landlord to make changes for a disability (like allowing a service animal).
  Example: If you use a wheelchair and need a reserved parking space, use this form.
  Download Mississippi Reasonable Accommodation Request
• Complaint Intake Form (Fair Housing)
  Submit this if you believe you've been discriminated against due to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or family status.
  Example: If a landlord refuses to rent to families with children, use this form.
  File a Fair Housing Complaint with MHC
• 30-Day Notice to Vacate
  Not a state form, but required notification if either you or the landlord want to end a month-to-month agreement.
  Example: If you wish to move out, provide this written notice to your landlord. More info at Landlord-Tenant Law Guide (MS Secretary of State).

Mississippi’s Primary Tenancy Legislation

Mississippi landlords and tenants are governed by the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This law covers rent rules, deposits, repairs, eviction, and privacy rights.

Who Handles Rental Disputes?

If issues arise between renters and landlords, local Mississippi Justice Courts handle most residential tenancy matters such as eviction and deposit disputes.

Mississippi LIHTC Properties: Benefits & What Renters Should Expect

Renters in LIHTC properties benefit from:

• Affordable, stable rents compared to market rate housing
• Basic maintenance standards enforced by state and federal laws
• Protection under federal fair housing laws and Mississippi’s tenant laws

However, you are still responsible for following lease rules, paying rent on time, and reporting any changes in income if required by your lease.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mississippi LIHTC Housing

1. How do I know if I'm eligible for a LIHTC apartment in Mississippi?
   Contact the property manager and provide your income documentation. They will use county-specific income limits—updated annually—to decide if you qualify.
2. Can my rent go up in a LIHTC property?
   Yes, but only within government-set limits. Annual rent changes are typically based on adjustments to area median income—not at landlord discretion.
3. What should I do if my landlord won’t make basic repairs?
   Send a written repair request and, if ignored, refer to Mississippi's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. If the repairs aren't made, you may contact your local Justice Court or legal aid for support.
4. Where do I file a complaint about discrimination in LIHTC housing?
   File the official Fair Housing Complaint Form with the Mississippi Home Corporation or contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
5. Are security deposits regulated in LIHTC rentals?
   Yes. Mississippi law requires landlords to return security deposits within 45 days of move-out, minus allowable deductions.

Conclusion: What Every Mississippi Renter Should Remember

• LIHTC homes provide affordable, quality rentals, but you must meet income and household requirements.
• Understand your rights and always use official forms for requests or complaints.
• For rental disputes, Mississippi Justice Courts are your tribunal, and state law protects you.

Staying informed about LIHTC rules and Mississippi tenant laws can help you stay housed and empowered as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Home Corporation – Rental Assistance Programs
• Mississippi Bar – Legal Help for Low-Income Renters
• Mississippi Justice Courts – Eviction and Deposit Disputes
• HUD – Mississippi Rental Assistance Resources
• Mississippi Secretary of State – Landlord Tenant Law Guide

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1. Mississippi Home Corporation Rental Assistance
2. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
3. Mississippi Justice Courts
4. Mississippi Secretary of State – Landlord Tenant Law Guide
5. HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

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