Mississippi Renters: Rules for Abandoned Property After Moving Out

Moving out of a rental home in Mississippi comes with several responsibilities, including making sure you remove all your belongings. Sometimes, though, things happen—maybe you forget something or you can’t move everything right away. Knowing how Mississippi handles left-behind property can help renters protect their rights and avoid losing personal items for good. This guide explains your rights, state law, and the steps landlords must take if you leave belongings behind.

What Is Considered Abandoned Property?

In Mississippi, property is typically considered abandoned if a tenant moves out (or is evicted) and leaves any personal belongings in the rental unit without making arrangements with the landlord. Abandoned property can include furniture, clothing, electronics, or other personal effects left after the end of a lease or after an eviction.

What Does Mississippi Law Say?

Mississippi law does not include comprehensive, specific statutes about abandoned property in residential rentals. Instead, the issue is addressed generally under Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 89, Chapter 8 of the Mississippi Code).^[1] The law allows landlords to take reasonable steps with tenant property, but does not establish a strict notice or waiting period for renters once the premises have been surrendered.

Summary of Landlord Duties

• Landlords are expected to make an effort to notify the tenant if there is any doubt about whether the property has been abandoned.
• After a tenant has vacated the premises, landlords may be able to dispose of property left behind, but should act reasonably and follow any notice provisions if agreed to in the lease.
• If a lease states a specific timeline or method for handling abandoned property, landlords and tenants must follow those terms.

Since Mississippi law lacks detailed requirements, renters should always check their lease agreement for clauses about abandoned property. If such a clause exists, it overrides the general law.

Steps Landlords Often Take With Left-Behind Property

Although not strictly required by statute, the following steps are commonly observed by Mississippi landlords in practice and are good to know as a renter:

• Attempt to contact the renter through phone, email, or written notice using the last known address.
• Allow the renter a reasonable period (often 7–14 days) to reclaim the property if possible.
• Secure or inventory any valuables, especially if clear value is involved.
• Dispose of property if it remains unclaimed, through sale, donation, or disposal.

Always communicate promptly with your landlord if you realize you’ve left belongings behind. Acting quickly may improve your chances of recovering items.

Are There Any Official Forms?

As of this year, Mississippi does not provide a statewide standardized form for claiming abandoned property or for landlords to notify tenants. Any notice or agreement should be in writing. For your protection as a renter, you can:

• Send a written request (email or letter) to the landlord if you need to retrieve belongings.
• Ask the landlord for written notice (if problems arise) about their intentions for your property.

If a dispute arises about your possessions, you may wish to seek mediation or file in Mississippi Justice Court, which handles most landlord-tenant disputes.

Relevant Tribunal or Board

In Mississippi, eviction and landlord-tenant disputes—including issues with abandoned property—are generally handled through the Mississippi Justice Court system.

What Should Renters Do If Property Is Left Behind?

If you discover you’ve left property behind:

• Contact your landlord as soon as possible and request access to retrieve your belongings.
• Do this in writing for documentation.
• If the landlord already disposed of the property, check your lease and talk to a legal aid office to see if you have any claim for damages.
• If negotiations fail, you may file a complaint or lawsuit in Justice Court for return or reimbursement.

Practical Example

After moving out of her Jackson apartment, Maria realized she left several boxes behind. She immediately emailed her landlord to arrange pickup. The landlord replied the next day, set a date, and Maria was able to collect her items. Because Maria acted quickly and communicated in writing, she protected her rights under Mississippi law.

FAQ: Abandoned Rental Property in Mississippi

1. How much time do I have to retrieve property after moving out?
   Mississippi law does not specify a set time limit, but it’s best to act as soon as possible. Many landlords allow 7–14 days, especially if you communicate promptly.
2. What happens if my landlord disposed of my property without notice?
   If your landlord disposed of property right away and you did not have a chance to retrieve it, check your lease for any relevant provisions. You can contact Mississippi Justice Court if you feel your rights were violated.
3. Do I have to pay storage fees?
   Your lease may allow the landlord to charge reasonable storage costs. Always ask for an itemized bill if storage was provided.
4. Can my landlord keep or sell my belongings?
   If property is truly abandoned, landlords may dispose of it, sometimes through sale. Check your lease for specific terms, and seek help if you think the sale was unfair.
5. Who can I contact for help if my landlord won’t return my property?
   You can reach out to Mississippi’s Justice Court, legal aid services, or the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for advice.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Justice Court Directory – Find your local court for landlord-tenant disputes
• Mississippi Legal Aid Providers – Free or low-cost legal help for renters
• MS Attorney General Consumer Protection – File consumer complaints related to landlord issues
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Official landlord-tenant legislation

---

1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Title 89, Chapter 8
2. Mississippi Justice Court System

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