Do all apartment buildings in Mississippi need emergency exit lighting?

Most multi-unit buildings require emergency exit lighting and illuminated exit signs under Mississippi’s building codes.

How long does my landlord have to fix broken emergency exit lighting?

Landlords must fix broken emergency exit lighting within a reasonable time after being notified in writing.

Who do I contact if my landlord ignores my lighting repair request?

You should contact your local building inspection department or city code official for assistance and enforcement.

Is there an official form to report safety violations in Mississippi?

Yes, many local governments offer a Code Violation Complaint Form available on city or county websites.

Can I withhold rent if exit lighting isn’t fixed?

Do not withhold rent without legal advice or a court order, as this may violate Mississippi law.

Mississippi Emergency Exit Lighting Requirements for Renters

Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Mississippi published June 21, 2025

As a renter in Mississippi, your safety matters — especially during emergencies. Well-lit emergency exits aren’t just a convenience; they're an important part of protecting you and your loved ones. Understanding emergency exit lighting requirements in Mississippi can help you recognize your rights and prompt your landlord to act if standards aren’t met.

What Emergency Exit Lighting Means for Renters

Emergency exit lighting refers to the lights that stay on (or automatically turn on) to illuminate escape routes and exit doors when the main power goes out. These are required by Mississippi building codes, which follow international safety standards.

Emergency exit lights mark pathways out of apartment buildings during power outages or fires.
Lighting must remain visible and functional in hallways, stairwells, and over exit doors in most multi-unit residential buildings.
Lights must stay lit for at least 90 minutes during an emergency power failure.

What Mississippi Law Says About Exit Lighting

Mississippi adopts the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) as its foundation for building safety. For most apartments:

The landlord or property owner is responsible for installing, testing, and repairing exit lighting systems.^[1]
Every exit must have approved illuminated signs and lights that remain on in a power outage.^[2]
Lighting must be visible from anywhere in a hallway leading to an exit.

Some local building departments may have additional rules. If you're in doubt, you can request your landlord provide proof of code compliance or contact your local city or county building department.

Landlord Duties and Renter Responsibilities

Mississippi’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to maintain safe premises, including all electrical and lighting systems.^[3] As a renter, you are expected to report broken or missing exit lighting promptly.

Landlords must repair any defective emergency exit lighting "within a reasonable time" after being notified.
You should make repair requests in writing for your records.

What To Do If Emergency Exit Lighting Is Missing or Broken

If you notice missing or non-working emergency exit lighting in your building:

Notify your landlord or property manager immediately in writing.
Keep a copy of your repair request and note the date sent.
If repairs aren't made in a reasonable time, you may file a complaint with your local building department or seek help through the relevant state agencies.

Tip: Always document communication with your landlord—this protects you if you need to escalate your complaint.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

Complaint Form (Local Building Department):
Many Mississippi cities or counties utilize a local Code Violation Complaint Form for safety concerns. To use:
- Example: If your apartment’s stairwell exit sign is not illuminated, you can submit this form to report the violation after alerting your landlord.
- Find the relevant form on your city or county building department website.
General Repair Request (No official form number):
Send a written repair notice by email or letter. Clearly describe the location and issue (e.g., "Exit light out on 2nd-floor stairwell"). Keep proof of delivery.

Who Enforces These Standards?

Residential tenancy disputes involving repairs and safety in Mississippi are typically handled by local courts. However, for building code and safety violations (like missing exit lighting), you may need to involve your local city or county building inspection department.

Find your Local Building Official here.
Mississippi’s court system handles legal disputes between renters and landlords if violations remain unaddressed.

Mississippi’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. Title 89, Ch. 8) provides the main legal foundation.^[3]

FAQ: Mississippi Emergency Exit Lighting & Renter Rights

Do all apartment buildings in Mississippi need emergency exit lighting?
Most multi-unit buildings are required to have emergency exit lighting and illuminated signs under statewide building codes. Smaller duplexes or single-family homes usually are exempt.
How long does my landlord have to fix broken emergency exit lighting?
The law requires repairs be made "within a reasonable time" after notice, but this period can depend on the urgency and location of the issue.
Who do I contact if my landlord ignores my lighting repair request?
Contact your local city or county building inspection department. As a last resort, you may use your local court to enforce tenant rights.
Can I withhold rent if exit lighting isn’t fixed?
Withholding rent may not be legal in Mississippi without a court order. Always seek legal advice before taking this step.
Is there an official form to report safety violations in Mississippi?
Many areas use a local Code Violation Complaint Form, which can be found on your city or county building department's website.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

Landlords are responsible for keeping emergency exit lighting operational in multi-unit buildings.
Report lighting outages promptly and in writing—keep copies for your records.
If problems aren't fixed, use your local building department’s complaint process or seek assistance from the courts.

Having clear, safe exit routes with working lighting is your right as a Mississippi renter—and vital for your safety in an emergency.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Mississippi Local Building Officials Directory – Find contacts for your city or county to report safety violations or get information on code standards.
Mississippi Center for Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal help for renters facing unresolved repair issues or unsafe living conditions.
Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Full Text) – Know your rights under state law.

Mississippi State Board of Architecture, Mississippi Building Code Guide (see Sections 1008 and 1013).
Mississippi State Fire Marshal, Fire Code Guide (see Chapter 10: Means of Egress).
Mississippi Code, Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-23).