Mississippi remains one of the states with the least restrictive rent increase regulations in the U.S. for 2025. Here’s a comprehensive overview for tenants:
No Rent Control or Caps
- No Statewide Rent Control: Mississippi does not have any rent control laws. There are no state or local limits on how much a landlord can raise rent, regardless of whether you are a new or existing tenant.
- No Frequency Limits: Landlords may increase rent as often as they wish, provided they follow proper notice procedures and the lease terms.
Notice Requirements
- Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
- Fixed-Term Leases: Rent cannot be raised during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows it. Otherwise, increases can only take place at the end of the lease, with written notice given at least 30 days before the new term.
- Week-to-Week Leases: Require a 7-day written notice for rent increases.
Legal Protections for Tenants
- No Increase During Lease Term: Unless your lease specifically allows for mid-term increases, your rent cannot be raised until the lease expires.
- Anti-Retaliation and Anti-Discrimination: Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for you exercising your legal rights (such as requesting repairs) or for discriminatory reasons (race, religion, gender, disability, familial status, etc.).
- Written Notice: All notices of rent increase should be in writing, either by mail or electronic communication, to avoid misunderstandings.
Challenging a Rent Increase
- Negotiation: If you believe a rent increase is unfair, you can try to negotiate with your landlord.
- Legal Action: If you suspect the increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, you may seek legal assistance or file a complaint.
- No Formal Dispute Process: Mississippi law does not provide a formal process to dispute rent increases purely based on the amount.
Security Deposits and Related Fees
- No State Cap on Security Deposits: Mississippi does not limit how much can be charged for a security deposit, but it must be returned within 45 days of lease termination, minus any deductions for damages.
- Late Fees: There is no statutory cap, but fees must be reasonable and typically range from 5-10% of the rent.
Table
| Lease Type | Notice Required | Cap on Increase | Frequency Limits | Rent Increase Allowed During Lease? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 30 days | None | None | No |
| Fixed-Term | 30 days before end | None | None | Only if lease allows |
| Week-to-Week | 7 days | None | None | No |
Key Takeaways
- Landlords in Mississippi have broad discretion to set and raise rents, but must provide proper written notice and cannot act in retaliation or discrimination.
- Tenants should review their lease agreements carefully and be aware of their rights regarding notice and potential legal protections.
- If facing an unaffordable rent increase, tenants may need to negotiate, seek legal assistance, or consider relocating.
Mississippi’s laws favor landlord flexibility, so staying informed and proactive is crucial for tenants.
Sources
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-mississippi
[2] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/mississippi-rent-control-laws/
[3] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-mississippi
[4] https://www.mslegalservices.org/resource/landlord-tenant-law-in-mississippi
[5] https://www.turbotenant.com/rental-lease-agreement/mississippi/laws/
