Understanding 30-Day and 7-Day Eviction Notices in Mississippi

Eviction can be a stressful experience for renters. In Mississippi, knowing the difference between 30-day and 7-day eviction notices can help you protect your rights and respond properly. This guide will walk you through the basics of each type of notice, provide official forms, and connect you with helpful state resources.

What Is an Eviction Notice in Mississippi?

An eviction notice is a legal notice from your landlord letting you know they want to end your rental agreement or asking you to fix a lease violation. Mississippi law requires landlords to use specific notice periods depending on the reason for eviction. The two most common are 30-day and 7-day notices.

30-Day Notice: For Month-to-Month Leases

If you rent month-to-month (without a fixed end date), your landlord must usually provide a 30-day written notice to end the tenancy. This gives you 30 days to move out. The landlord does not need to provide a reason, but they must follow the correct process. This rule comes from the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 89-8-19.^[1]

• Used When: Terminating a month-to-month agreement for reasons not related to nonpayment, lease violations, or suspected criminal activity.
• Example: Your landlord wants to reclaim the property for their own use, or just wants to end the rental for any reason not prohibited by law.

No official state form is required. However, written notice must clearly state the end date (at least 30 days out) and be delivered properly.

7-Day Notice: Nonpayment, Lease Violations, or Repeated Offenses

The 7-day eviction notice is used for more urgent situations, such as not paying rent or serious/repeated lease violations. There are two main kinds of 7-day notice in Mississippi:

• 7-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate: Given when rent is late. Landlord must allow you 7 days to pay what you owe before filing for eviction.
• 7-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate: Issued for certain lease violations (other than unpaid rent). You have 7 days to fix the violation or move out.

If the problem is not fixed by the end of the 7 days, your landlord can then file a formal eviction (also called an "unlawful entry and detainer") with the local Justice Court.

Official Forms and Filing Process

• Notice to Quit (No Form Number – Sample Provided by Courts): Used for both 30-day and 7-day notices. See a sample from the Mississippi Justice Court official forms portal.
• Unlawful Entry and Detainer Complaint (Form): If you don’t move out after the notice period, the landlord files this form to start the court eviction process. Get this and related forms at the Mississippi Judiciary – Justice Court forms page.

For example: If you’re served a 7-day notice for late rent, you can avoid eviction by paying the full rent owed within that 7 days. If you don’t, your landlord may file an Unlawful Entry and Detainer Complaint in your county’s Justice Court.

How Eviction Notices Must Be Delivered

All eviction notices must be delivered in a way that is legally valid. According to Mississippi Code Section 89-8-13, this usually means hand delivery, certified mail, or posting the notice on your door if the other methods aren’t possible.^[2]

If You Receive an Eviction Notice: Your Rights and Next Steps

If you receive a 30-day or 7-day notice, you have important rights. Always read the notice carefully and note the deadline by which you must either act (such as paying owed rent or correcting a problem) or move out. If you fix the problem within the time period, the notice usually becomes void, and you can continue renting.

• If you believe you received a notice in error or the landlord did not follow proper procedures, you can raise this as a defense if your eviction case reaches court.
• You are entitled to attend any court hearing and present your side.
• If you do not take action by the end of the notice period, the landlord may ask the Justice Court to formally evict you.

To learn more about official landlord/tenant law, refer to the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

FAQ: Mississippi Eviction Notice Rules

1. Can a landlord give me a 7-day notice without a reason?
   No, 7-day notices are for unpaid rent or specific lease violations. A 30-day notice is used when a landlord ends a month-to-month tenancy for no specific reason, provided it’s not discriminatory.
2. Do I have to move out after receiving a 7-day notice?
   Not immediately. If you resolve the issue (such as paying owed rent or fixing a violation) within 7 days, you may remain in the property.
3. What if I don’t move out after the notice period?
   The landlord must start a formal eviction by filing with the local Justice Court. Only a court can order physical removal.
4. How should I respond if I disagree with the notice?
   Respond in writing to your landlord, keep records, and prepare to present your defense if the case goes to court.
5. Can a landlord evict me without a written notice in Mississippi?
   No, state law requires written notice with specific timeframes before an eviction can proceed to court.

Conclusion: Know Your Notice and Take Action

• Understanding whether you’ve received a 30-day or 7-day notice is key — each has different deadlines and requirements.
• Official forms and correct notice delivery matter. Always keep copies and act quickly.
• You can resolve many issues before an eviction case reaches court by responding within the notice period.

If you’re unsure, seek help from Mississippi legal aid or review the official Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for up-to-date law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Mississippi Justice Court – handles eviction cases and provides official forms.
• Mississippi Bar: Find Legal Help – connect with local legal aid services for free or low-cost advice.
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – read the full state law on rentals and evictions.
• Mississippi Center for Justice – tenant rights resources and legal support.

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1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 89-8-19 (Termination of Tenancy)
2. Mississippi Code Section 89-8-13 (Notice Requirements)

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