Mississippi Rent Gouging Laws: What Renters Need to Know

If you're renting a home or apartment in Mississippi, sudden rent increases or unexpected charges can cause real concern. Many renters wonder if laws protect them from 'rent gouging,' especially when housing costs change rapidly. In this guide, we'll explain how Mississippi law handles rent increases, what qualifies as rent gouging (if anything), and what steps renters can take to protect themselves.

How Mississippi Law Defines Rent Gouging

Currently, Mississippi does not have a specific law defining or prohibiting rent gouging in standard rental situations. There are:

• No state-wide rent control laws limiting the amount or frequency of rent increases
• No maximum rent increase percentage under normal circumstances
• Landlords generally set rents based on the lease agreement

However, exceptions may apply during states of emergency (such as hurricanes or state-declared disasters), when the Governor can issue executive orders prohibiting price gouging—including excessive rent hikes—under the Mississippi Price Gouging Statute (Mississippi Code § 75-24-25).

When Are Rent Increases Allowed?

Outside of declared emergencies, Mississippi landlords can generally raise rent:

• After the end of the current lease term (for fixed-term leases)
• With proper advanced notice for month-to-month or periodic tenancies

Required Notice: Mississippi law requires that landlords give at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent for month-to-month tenants. For fixed-term leases, rent typically may not increase until the lease renews unless otherwise specified in your contract (Mississippi Secretary of State: Landlord-Tenant Overview).

What Counts as Unlawful Rent Increases?

Landlords cannot increase rent in retaliation for certain protected tenant actions. For example, a rent hike in response to a tenant reporting unsafe conditions would generally violate the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

If you believe a rent increase is meant to retaliate against you, you may have grounds to challenge it. Documentation (such as written complaints to your landlord or a state agency) will be helpful.

Emergency Declarations and Price Gouging Protections

During state-declared emergencies, Mississippi activates its Price Gouging Statute. This law temporarily bans landlords from raising rent to an amount that is excessive or grossly higher compared to what was charged before the emergency.

Price gouging rules during emergencies are enforced by the Mississippi Attorney General's Office. If you suspect unlawful rent increases during a declared emergency, you can file a formal complaint (details below).

Which Board Oversees Rental Disputes in Mississippi?

Mississippi does not have a dedicated landlord-tenant tribunal or board. Most rental disputes—such as eviction or disagreement over rent—are handled in local Mississippi Justice Courts. The courts resolve disputes under the guidance of the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 89, Chapter 8).

Common Fees and Additional Charges

Landlords in Mississippi may charge additional fees (such as late fees or security deposits), but these are generally unregulated unless a specific fee or deposit is outlined in your lease. Always request a written explanation of any new fees.

Key Renter Steps if You Suspect Rent Gouging

• Carefully review your lease for rent increase and fee terms
• Check if a state of emergency is declared in your area
• Document all communications with your landlord about rent increases
• If you suspect price gouging, prepare and submit a complaint to the Mississippi Attorney General

Official Forms for Mississippi Renters

• Mississippi Consumer Complaint Form: File this with the Attorney General if you believe you have experienced price gouging on rent during a state of emergency.
  How to use: Gather written evidence (lease, past receipts, written notices). Download, complete, and submit the form as directed. Mississippi Attorney General Consumer Complaint Form

Tip: If your dispute is not about emergency price gouging but about lease rights, you may need to resolve it through Mississippi Justice Court.

FAQs: Mississippi Rent Gouging, Rent Increases, and Your Rights

1. Does Mississippi have any rent control laws for how much landlords can increase rent?
   No. Mississippi does not regulate rent increases under normal circumstances—except that landlords must give proper notice for changes in periodic tenancies.
2. What can I do if my landlord doubled my rent after a hurricane or state disaster?
   If a state of emergency is declared, contact the Mississippi Attorney General's Office and file a consumer complaint form citing the price gouging statute.
3. How much notice is required for a rent increase in Mississippi?
   At least 30 days’ written notice must be given for rent increases to month-to-month tenants. For fixed-term leases, a rent increase generally takes effect only on renewal.
4. Can a landlord increase my rent just because I asked for repairs?
   No. Increasing rent in retaliation for requesting repairs or exercising other legal rights is not permitted under the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
5. Where do I go if I need to challenge a rent hike unrelated to emergencies?
   For most rental disputes, you may file a claim at your local Justice Court in Mississippi.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

• Mississippi does not regulate rent amounts except in emergency situations.
• Landlords must give at least 30 days’ notice for rent increases to month-to-month tenants.
• Price gouging protections only apply during state-declared emergencies.

Remember to read your lease carefully and know your rights before responding to any rent increases.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Attorney General’s Office – Consumer Protection
  File complaints or report rent gouging during emergencies
• Mississippi Bar – Landlord and Tenant Rights
  Info sheets and contact for legal help
• Mississippi Secretary of State – Landlord-Tenant Overview
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 89, Chapter 8)

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1. Mississippi Code § 75-24-25 – Emergency Price Gouging Laws
2. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 89, Chapter 8)
3. Mississippi Secretary of State: Landlord-Tenant Overview
4. Mississippi Attorney General Consumer Complaint Form
5. Mississippi Justice Courts and Landlord-Tenant Disputes

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