Mississippi Renter Rights During Building Repairs

When you rent a home or apartment in Mississippi, your landlord must keep the property in safe and livable condition. But what happens if major repairs are needed while you’re living there? Understanding your rights as a renter during building repairs can help protect your health, your belongings, and your tenancy. This guide explains key protections for Mississippi renters, what landlords can and cannot do, and the official steps you can take if repairs disrupt your life.

What Mississippi Law Says About Repairs and Tenant Rights

Mississippi rental law, found in the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1], requires landlords to keep rental properties in good repair. This means your landlord should:

• Maintain basic utilities (electricity, plumbing, heating)
• Fix unsafe structural conditions
• Keep common areas clean and safe
• Make repairs reasonably quickly after you give notice

Landlords must respond to repair requests in a “reasonable” time, though the law does not set strict deadlines. For urgent issues (like no heat in winter), prompt action is expected. If repairs are needed, you still remain responsible for paying rent unless a court says otherwise.

Required Notice Before Repairs or Entry

A landlord generally must give you at least 24 hours written notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies. This notice applies for most non-emergency repairs according to state law.

• For non-emergency repairs: 24-hour written notice required
• For emergencies (like burst pipes): No notice is required

You do not have to be present but should be informed when workers will enter.

Your Rights If Repairs Make Your Home Unlivable

Major repairs can sometimes make part or all of your home unsafe or unusable. In this situation, you may have the right to:

• Ask for temporary rent reduction if you cannot use part of your home
• Request temporary relocation (though this is not required by law in Mississippi, some landlords may offer it)
• Terminate your lease if repairs are not made within 14 days after you provide written notice about the problem

If you want to end your lease because of unresolved repairs, you must serve your landlord with a written notice. If the repairs are not complete within 14 days, your lease can end at the date stated in your notice. Always keep copies of your written communications.

Official Notice Form: "Notice to Landlord of Repair Needed"

While Mississippi does not have a state-mandated form for repair requests, you may use a letter titled “Notice to Landlord of Repair Needed.” Be sure to include:

• Your name and address
• Date of the notice
• Detailed description of the repair needed
• The date by which repairs should be made (at least 14 days from the notice)

Mail the letter via certified mail, keep a copy for your records, and send to your landlord’s official address (as listed in your lease).

See an example template and instructions available from the Mississippi Center for Legal Services.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Mississippi?

If you and your landlord disagree about repairs or you receive threats of eviction during a repair dispute, you may take your case to a Mississippi Justice Court. This is the court handling most landlord-tenant issues, including habitability disputes. Find your local court using the Mississippi Justice Court Directory.

Step-by-Step: How to Give Proper Notice for Repairs

• Write a detailed notice letter to your landlord about the needed repair.
• Specify the problem and request a fix within 14 days.
• Send your notice by certified mail or another method you can track.
• If the problem is not fixed in time, you may choose to end your lease or seek further help with Justice Court.

Mississippi law does not provide for rent withholding. Paying your rent on time preserves your legal rights, even if repairs are ongoing.

FAQ: Tenant Protections During Repairs in Mississippi

1. Can my landlord make repairs at any time?
   Generally, landlords must give 24 hours' written notice for entry to make repairs, unless it’s an emergency.
2. Do I have to move out during repairs?
   Mississippi law does not require landlords to provide alternate housing. You must move only if your home is declared unsafe by officials, or you choose to end your lease due to uncompleted repairs.
3. Can I stop paying rent until repairs are done?
   No. State law requires you to continue paying rent unless the court says otherwise. Withholding rent can lead to eviction.
4. What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   Send written notice requesting repairs. If not fixed in 14 days, you may choose to end your lease or file a claim with the local Justice Court.
5. Where can I get help if I face retaliation from my landlord for requesting repairs?
   Contact Legal Services or your local Justice Court for support if you believe your landlord is retaliating against you for asserting your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Mississippi

• Mississippi Justice Court Directory – Find your county’s court to file rental disputes or seek mediation
• Mississippi Center for Legal Services – Free legal aid, repair notice templates, and tenant advice
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (2023) – Full text of the state’s rental law
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Mississippi Resources – Information on tenant rights and protections

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

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