Mississippi Rental Health Code Requirements: Renter’s Guide

If you rent a home or apartment in Mississippi, you deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment. Understanding your rights under Mississippi law can help you address issues like mold, pests, plumbing, or heating, and know what to do if your landlord isn’t making necessary repairs. This guide explains the minimum health standards for rentals, important forms, and where you can turn for help.

What Are the Minimum Housing Health Codes in Mississippi?

Mississippi does not have a statewide housing code, but all rental properties must meet certain basic health and safety standards as set by the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. These minimum standards require landlords to:

• Maintain the premises so they are safe, clean, and fit for human habitation
• Keep electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, and air-conditioning systems in good working order
• Ensure common areas are clean and safe
• Address infestations of pests, rodents, or hazardous mold promptly

Many local cities or counties may have additional building or housing codes. Contact your local city or county code enforcement office to learn more about local standards.

Your Rights and Landlord Responsibilities

Under the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, your landlord is legally required to:

• Fix any condition seriously affecting your health or safety within 14 days of receiving written notice from you
• Provide running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times
• Maintain safe floors, stairways, and handrails

However, as a renter, you are responsible for keeping your living space clean, not damaging the property, and promptly reporting any problems.

What To Do If There Are Health or Safety Problems

If your home has dangerous conditions (like broken heat, exposed wiring, or major leaks), follow these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing. Be specific and keep a copy for your records.
• Give your landlord 14 days to fix the problem, unless the issue is urgent and requires a faster response.
• If the problem is not fixed, you may have further rights, including the ability to terminate the lease or seek damages in court.
• For urgent risks (e.g., fire hazards), contact your local code enforcement office or health department immediately.

Evidence such as photos, written notices, and maintenance requests will help your case if you need to escalate the issue.

Official Forms for Mississippi Renters

• Notice to Landlord to Repair (No official form number)
  Use when: You need to formally notify your landlord of a health or safety issue that needs fixing. For example, if there is mold in your bathroom or a broken heater in the winter, send a written notice by certified mail or email.
  Sample letter and overview in the Mississippi Landlord-Tenant Handbook
• 14-Day Notice to Terminate Lease (No official form number)
  Use when: If your landlord fails to fix a reported health or safety violation within 14 days after being notified in writing, you may provide a written 14-day notice to terminate your lease early. Example: You report a water leak, and it is not repaired within 14 days.
  Sample language and requirements

Mississippi does not provide standardized forms for these steps, but written communication is legally valid and recommended.

Who Handles Disputes? Official Tribunal or Board

If you and your landlord cannot resolve a health or safety issue, disputes are typically handled in your local Justice Court. This court hears landlord-tenant matters, including unsafe housing or breach of lease due to repair failures. Be sure to review your rights under the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for details.

Quick Summary of Key Legislation

• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Mississippi Code Title 89, Chapter 8)
• Check local city or county ordinances for additional requirements

Staying informed about your legal rights gives you more confidence and clarity in addressing rental conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my landlord refuses to make necessary repairs?
   Your first step is to send written notice requesting repairs. If the problem is not fixed within 14 days in cases affecting health or safety, you may be able to terminate your lease or pursue action in Justice Court.
2. Are there specific temperature or mold regulations for Mississippi rentals?
   Mississippi law requires that heating, air-conditioning, and plumbing are kept in good working order, but there are no specific statewide temperature or mold limits. Check your local health or building department for extra rules.
3. Can I withhold rent if my rental is unsafe?
   Mississippi law does not permit renters to withhold rent unilaterally. You should always pay your rent while pursuing written repairs and other remedies under the law.
4. Where can I file a complaint about housing conditions?
   Contact your local city or county code enforcement office or file a case in your county's Justice Court if your landlord does not respond to written repair requests.
5. Does Mississippi have state-provided repair request forms?
   No state-issued forms exist, but any detailed written notice or letter is typically valid to start the repair process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Secretary of State - Landlord & Tenant Resources
• Mississippi Justice Court Directory
• Mississippi Center for Legal Services – For free legal help with tenant rights
• Local city or county code enforcement offices (contact your local municipality for phone numbers and offices)

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1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Mississippi Code Title 89, Chapter 8
2. Mississippi Landlord-Tenant Handbook, Secretary of State
3. Mississippi Justice Courts – Official Tribunal for Housing Matters

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