Mississippi Tenant Rights for Short-Term Vacation Rentals

If you're a renter in Mississippi using or considering a short-term vacation rental—like an Airbnb or VRBO—it's important to know your rights and responsibilities. While most rental laws in Mississippi focus on traditional long-term leases, short-term vacation rentals (under 30 days) are becoming very common. Understanding the legal difference can help you protect yourself, avoid misunderstandings, and know what to do if issues arise.

What Is a Short-Term Vacation Rental?

A short-term vacation rental is typically a property rented for less than 30 days. These include listings found on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or local vacation rental services. Unlike traditional leases, these stays often lack the legal protections provided to longer-term tenants under Mississippi state law.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Short-Term Renter in Mississippi

Mississippi law treats vacation rentals differently from traditional tenancies. Here’s what renters should be aware of:

• No Standard Lease Protections: Most short-term stays are considered "transient occupancies" and may not fall under the state’s landlord-tenant act.
• Eviction Protections: If you rent for 30 days or less, you usually cannot use standard tenant eviction protections. If you overstay your reservation, you may face immediate removal like a hotel guest.
• Deposits & Deductions: Money paid as a "security deposit" may not be covered by standard security deposit rules (see Mississippi's landlord-tenant law), especially for very short stays.
• Local Ordinances: Some Mississippi cities regulate vacation rentals or require a permit. Always check local rules for your city or county.

What If My Rental Lasts More Than 30 Days?

If your rental period is longer than 30 days, Mississippi’s main landlord-tenant legislation—the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act—may apply. This provides protections regarding:

• Notice before eviction
• Return of security deposits
• Right to safe and habitable housing

Relevant Mississippi Forms for Renters

• Notice to Vacate (No Official Number):
  Used when a property owner asks a renter to leave after a short-term stay. For traditional tenancies, see Notice to Quit (Mississippi Courts). Example: If your host says your stay is ending, they may give you this form.
• Complaint for Recovery of Possession (No Official Number):
  Filed in Justice Court if a renter refuses to leave a property after the end of the agreed rental period. See official guidance at Mississippi Justice Courts.

Note: Short-term (under-30 days) rentals may be treated like hotel rooms. For stays over 30 days, longer-term rental protections, forms, and notice rules apply.

What Tribunal or Board Handles Renter Disputes?

Mississippi does not have a dedicated residential tenancy board. Instead, housing issues—especially those involving eviction or deposit disputes—are handled by the Mississippi Justice Court in your local county.

Applying the Law: Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

The main law covering tenant rights and responsibilities for longer-term rentals is the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. For stays under 30 days, this Act may not apply, so always review your agreement and keep written proof of all communications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do Mississippi tenant rights apply to Airbnb or other short-term rentals?
   Generally, no. If your stay is less than 30 days, you are considered a "transient guest," and most landlord-tenant laws do not apply. For longer stays, some protections may activate.
2. Can I be evicted without notice from a vacation rental?
   Yes, if you overstay your reservation in a vacation rental, you may be asked to leave immediately—similar to hotel rules. For longer rentals, proper notice is usually required.
3. Does my security deposit have to be returned?
   If you're staying less than 30 days, standard deposit return rules may not apply. For rentals over 30 days, deposits should be returned per state law unless there is damage.
4. What should I do if I feel I'm being treated unfairly?
   Document your communications, keep all emails and receipts, and contact the rental platform or your local Justice Court for more help.
5. Where can I file a complaint about a short-term rental problem?
   For eviction or possession issues, contact your local Mississippi Justice Court. For platform-related disputes, use Airbnb, VRBO, or the rental service’s resolution procedures.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Short-Term Renters

• If your rental is for fewer than 30 days, standard tenant protections usually don’t apply.
• For stays longer than 30 days, Mississippi’s landlord-tenant laws may provide more protection.
• Keep written agreements and documentation for any disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Justice Court — Where eviction and rental disputes are handled.
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — Official legislation for longer-term tenancies.
• Mississippi Center for Legal Services — Offers free or low-cost legal help to qualifying renters.
• HUD Mississippi Renting Resources — U.S. government guidance for Mississippi renters.

---

1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Mississippi Justice Court
3. Mississippi Courts: Notice to Quit
4. Mississippi Center for Legal Services

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