Mississippi Rules for Landlord Electricity Shut-Offs

If you're renting a home in Mississippi and facing issues with unpaid utility bills, it's important to understand your rights and what your landlord can—and cannot—do. Mississippi law has clear guidelines about when a landlord is allowed to shut off utilities like electricity for non-payment. Knowing these rules will help you respond quickly and protect your well-being.

Can a Landlord Legally Shut Off Electricity for Non-Payment?

In Mississippi, landlords generally cannot shut off your electricity or other essential utilities as a way to force you to pay overdue rent or utility bills. This act is often called a "self-help eviction," and it is not legal in most circumstances.

• Landlords are typically prohibited from interrupting utility services such as electricity, water, or gas for non-payment of rent.
• Terminating essential services without a court order is not an approved method of eviction.
• Instead, landlords must follow the legal eviction process, which may include providing written notice and filing with the courts.

This protection is part of Mississippi's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act ^[1] and is enforced to ensure the health and safety of tenants.

Who Pays for the Electricity?

Your lease agreement should state who is responsible for paying the electricity bill:

• If the landlord is named on the utility account: They are responsible for payment, and may not lawfully shut off power as a penalty.
• If the tenant is named on the utility account: The utility company will deal directly with you if there is a non-payment.

Even if you are behind on paying utilities, your landlord cannot cut off utilities directly. The only possible exception is if the service is in the landlord's name and they are no longer providing it after you have moved out through the proper eviction process.

Eviction and Utility Shutoff: The Legal Process

If you are behind on rent or utility payments, your landlord must use the legal eviction process to ask you to leave. The steps generally include:

• Providing the proper written notice (usually a 3-day notice to pay or vacate for non-payment of rent).
• Filing an eviction case in court if you do not pay or move out.
• Obtaining a court order (writ of possession) before you are required to leave.

Landlords who attempt to force you out by shutting off utilities can face legal penalties under state law.

Official Forms and Where to File Tenant Complaints

If your landlord has shut off your electricity, you may file a complaint. Mississippi does not have a centralized state tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes, but you can seek relief through:

• Mississippi Justice Court: Handles residential landlord-tenant disputes in most cases.
  You may need to file a "Petition for Emergency Relief" if you are seeking an immediate court order to restore utilities.

Example form:
Petition for Emergency Relief (No official form number)
Used when you need the court to order the landlord to restore utility services or stop unlawful shutoff. You can draft a petition or request details from your local Justice Court clerk. Mississippi Justice Court Clerks Guide (page 117) provides helpful information.

How to use this form: If your landlord unlawfully shuts off your electricity, visit or contact your county’s Justice Court. Explain your situation and ask for guidance on filing a petition for emergency relief.

All complaints are generally heard at the county level—find your local court with the Mississippi Justice Court directory.

Relevant Mississippi Laws

• Mississippi Code Section 89-8-17: Tenant Remedies for Landlord’s Unlawful Ouster or Exclusion
• Mississippi Code Section 89-8-13: Landlord Remedies and Eviction Process

These laws explain your protections and the landlord’s obligations regarding possession and utility services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord shut off my electricity if I’m late paying rent?
   No, a landlord cannot legally shut off your electricity to collect overdue rent. They must use the formal eviction process through the courts.
2. What should I do if my landlord cuts off my utilities?
   Document the shutoff, notify your landlord in writing, and contact your local Justice Court to file a complaint and request emergency relief.
3. Who do I contact to report an illegal utility shutoff?
   Contact your county’s Justice Court or seek help through a legal services office in Mississippi.
4. Is it legal for my landlord to include utility shut-off threats in the lease?
   No, lease clauses that allow landlords to shut off essential utilities for non-payment are not enforceable under Mississippi law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

• Your landlord cannot shut off electricity to force payment or an eviction—Mississippi law protects your right to essential services.
• If you experience an unlawful shutoff, you can seek urgent help through Justice Court with a petition for emergency relief.
• Always keep records of communications and conditions if utilities are interrupted.

Stay informed and seek assistance early if your rental rights are at risk due to utility shutoffs.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Justice Court Directory – File utility shutoff complaints or tenant petitions
• Mississippi Center for Legal Services – Free/low-cost legal help for renters
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Official legislation

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1. Mississippi Code § 89-8-17: Tenant Remedies for Landlord's Unlawful Ouster or Exclusion
2. Mississippi Code § 89-8-13: Landlord Remedies and Eviction Process
3. Mississippi Justice Courts – Official Tribunal Contact Directory

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