Mississippi Rent Prices, Increases & Legal Limits: 2025 Guide

Understanding rent prices and your rights as a renter in Mississippi is more important than ever in 2025. Whether you're worried about your monthly expense rising, wondering if there are rent caps, or curious about legal protections, it's vital to know the facts — and where to turn for help.

Current Average Rent Prices in Mississippi (2025)

Mississippi is known for offering some of the more affordable rental rates in the USA, but prices do vary by location and property type. Based on recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents for 2025:

• 1-bedroom apartments: Average $730/month statewide
• 2-bedroom apartments: Average $900/month statewide
• Jackson metro area: 2-bedrooms average $1,020/month
• Oxford/Ole Miss area: Rents may be higher due to student demand

These are averages. Your actual rent may vary based on city, amenities, and property condition.

Does Mississippi Have Rent Caps or Control?

Mississippi does not have statewide rent control or limits on rent increases for most private residential rentals. Landlords can generally raise rent as much as they choose when starting a new lease or upon lease renewal. However, there are some important rules:

• Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent for month-to-month tenants¹.
• No notice is required for increases at the end of a fixed-term lease, unless otherwise stated in your lease.
• If your unit receives government assistance (such as Section 8), other limits and notice rules may apply. Consult the Mississippi Home Corporation for details.

For renters facing sudden significant increases, especially in subsidized housing or with special circumstances (like disaster assistance), different regulations may apply.

Legal Process: How Rent Increases Must Be Handled

Mississippi requires that any rent increase for month-to-month renters be delivered in writing and provide at least 30 days’ notice¹. For fixed-term (e.g., 12-month) leases, the landlord must wait until the lease ends before making any change, unless your lease says otherwise.

If a landlord tries to increase rent without proper notice, or in the middle of a fixed-term lease without clear language in your agreement, you have the right to object.

What Are the Rules for Security Deposits?

There are no statutory limits on the amount landlords can charge for security deposits in Mississippi, but they must handle them lawfully:

• Landlords must return the deposit within 45 days after you move out.
• If deductions are made, you must receive an itemized statement.
• Security deposits cannot be used to cover "normal wear and tear."

Security deposit rules are detailed in the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Section 89-8-21.

Official Forms for Mississippi Renters

• Notice to End Lease or Change Terms: While Mississippi does not have a standardized statewide form, a written letter stating your name, address, intent to end the lease (or object to new terms), and date is accepted. Sample forms are often available via the Mississippi Justice Court system.
• Complaint for Return of Security Deposit: Used if your landlord does not return your deposit or fails to provide an itemized list. File at your local Justice Court. No state-issued number; obtain forms at your county courthouse.

Example: If your landlord increases rent without the required 30 days’ notice and you wish to dispute, write a letter to your landlord, keep a copy, and seek mediation or file a complaint at Justice Court if unresolved.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Mississippi?

For most disputes (including rent increases, security deposits, and repairs), the official tribunal is your county’s Justice Court. They can help resolve landlord-tenant disagreements under the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.¹

FAQ: Mississippi Rent Prices, Increases, and Deposits

1. Does Mississippi limit how much my landlord can raise my rent? No, there are currently no statutory caps or rent control measures in Mississippi for private rentals. But written notice is required for increases.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before increasing rent? For month-to-month leases, your landlord must provide at least 30 days’ written notice. No notice is needed for fixed-term leases except as specified in the contract.
3. Can my landlord increase rent in the middle of my fixed-term lease? Generally, no. Rent can only be raised in the middle of a fixed-term lease if your rental agreement specifically allows it.
4. Is there a limit on security deposits in Mississippi? No legal maximum, but landlords must return deposits within 45 days minus any lawful deductions with an itemized statement.
5. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit? You may file a "Complaint for Return of Security Deposit" at your local county Justice Court.

Conclusion: What Mississippi Renters Need to Know

• Rent increases are not capped by law, but require written notice for month-to-month renters.
• No statewide limits exist for rent or deposits, but rules on procedures and timelines must be followed.
• For disputes, your local Justice Court is the official resource for filing complaints and resolving issues.

Knowing the law empowers renters to respond confidently to changes in rent or landlord practices.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Justice Court: File rental complaints, deposit disputes, and other landlord-tenant cases.
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Full state rental housing laws (Title 89, Chapter 8).
• Mississippi Center for Legal Services: Free legal help for qualifying low-income renters.
• HUD Mississippi Renter Resources: Federal renter protections and assistance.

---

1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8)
2. Mississippi Justice Court Information

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