Mississippi handles evictions through Justice Court or County Court depending on the amount in dispute. Mississippi is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the nation, with minimal notice requirements—landlords can proceed with eviction for nonpayment of rent with as little as a 3-day notice in some circumstances. The process is straightforward and typically fast when procedures are followed correctly. Below you’ll find the key details every Mississippi landlord needs to know.
Comprehensive guide to Mississippi's eviction process, including notice requirements, timelines, court procedures, costs, tenant protections, and landlord rights. Cases are typically filed in Justice Court / County Court.
Mississippi has two parallel eviction frameworks: Chapter 7 (§89-7-27, general/non-residential) and Chapter 8 (§89-8-13, Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). For RESIDENTIAL tenants, §89-8-13(5) provides the 3-day notice for nonpayment. Tenant can stop the eviction by paying all unpaid rent and costs by the court-ordered move-out date. After judgment, court orders tenant to vacate within 7 days (§89-8-39(1)). Tenant has 72 hours after writ execution to remove personal property (§89-7-31). Filing fees typically $75-$100 depending on county. Notice can be delivered via email/text if tenant agreed in writing to receive notices that way.
For lease violations, §89-8-13(3) requires a 14-day notice to remedy or vacate. If the same violation recurs within 6 months of the first notice, landlord can issue a 14-day UNCONDITIONAL quit notice with no cure opportunity. For substantial violations affecting health/safety, no notice is required - landlord can file immediately (§89-8-19(4)). The 30-day notice applies to TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE for month-to-month tenancies (§89-8-19(3)), NOT to lease violations. Filing fees typically $75-$100. Notice can be delivered via email/text if tenant agreed in writing.
Complaint served by court officer.
Generally very fast. Limited court backlogs even in Jackson (Hinds County).
Sheriff executes writ of possession. Landlord changes locks.
Property remaining 72 hours after warrant for removal is executed is deemed abandoned. Landlord may dispose without further notice or liability. Best practice: document with photos, confirm via unpaid rent, disconnected utilities, and removed belongings before disposing.
Return within 45 days with itemized deductions.
Must be in lease. No statutory limits.
No rent control in Mississippi.
Mississippi is uniform statewide.
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ℹ️ Filing fees are approximate and may change - verify with local court clerk before filing | ℹ️ Eviction timelines are estimates - actual duration varies by county caseload, tenant response, and case complexity | ⚠️ Limited/no specific anti-retaliation statute - tenant protections may be weaker than in other jurisdictions
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AI-generated, state-specific eviction notices, pay-or-quit letters, lease termination documents, and more — pre-filled with your tenant's information and built to Mississippi requirements.
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Disclaimer: General educational information only, not legal advice. Mississippi eviction procedures can vary by county and court. Consult a qualified Mississippi attorney for legal advice on your specific situation.
Mississippi eviction cases are filed as Unlawful Entry and Detainer actions (also called “Ejectment” proceedings) in Justice Court or County Court depending on the amount in dispute. Mississippi is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the nation, with short notice periods and a relatively quick court process.
Mississippi prohibits self-help evictions. Landlords cannot forcibly remove tenants, change locks, or shut off utilities without a court order. Only law enforcement can remove a tenant after a Writ of Possession is issued.
Mississippi enacted significant changes in 2025:
This law dramatically changed squatter rights in Mississippi:
This bill clarifies tenant eviction procedures:
Mississippi does not have a state-mandated grace period—rent is late the day after it’s due. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
For unpaid rent, landlords must serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit. The notice must state:
If the tenant pays the full amount within 3 days, the eviction stops. The tenant can also pay anytime before judgment to stop the eviction.
For violations of lease terms (unauthorized pets, excess occupants, property damage, etc.), landlords must serve a 14-day notice to cure or quit. This gives the tenant 14 days to fix the violation or move out.
To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, landlords must provide 30 days’ written notice.
For weekly tenancies, a 7-day notice is required.
If a tenant stays after a fixed-term lease expires, the landlord is not required to give additional notice unless the lease requires it. The landlord can proceed directly to court.
Notices can be served by:
Keep proof of delivery—you’ll need it in court.
Step 1 – Serve the proper notice. Deliver the correct notice based on the reason for eviction (3-day for nonpayment, 14-day for lease violations, 30-day for month-to-month termination).
Step 2 – File the eviction complaint. If the tenant doesn’t comply, file an Unlawful Entry and Detainer action in the appropriate court:
You’ll need to file:
Filing fees vary by county (typically $75-$100). Examples: Hinds County is $85 plus $15 for each additional defendant; Harrison County is $85 plus additional fees for defendants at different addresses.
Step 3 – Court issues summons and schedules hearing. The court issues a Summons and sets a hearing date. The summons and complaint must be served on the tenant between 5 and 20 days after filing.
Step 4 – Service of summons and complaint. The documents must be served by the sheriff’s office or any adult (18+) not involved in the case. Service methods include:
Step 5 – Tenant may file Answer. The tenant can file an Answer to deny the allegations. Regardless of whether an Answer is filed, the tenant must appear at the hearing.
Step 6 – Court hearing. Both parties appear before the judge. The landlord presents evidence (lease, notice, rent ledger, proof of service). The tenant may present defenses. If either party fails to appear, the hearing proceeds and likely rules for the present party.
Step 7 – Judgment. If the landlord wins, the court enters judgment for possession. The tenant has at least 7 days from judgment to move out (unless a shorter or longer period is ordered for emergency or compelling circumstances).
Step 8 – Writ of Possession. If the tenant doesn’t leave, the landlord obtains a Writ of Possession (issued no sooner than 5 days after judgment). Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant.
Step 9 – Property retrieval. Under the 2025 law, evicted tenants have 72 hours to retrieve personal property. After that period, landlords may dispose of items without liability.
Mississippi remains one of the most landlord-friendly states with short notice periods and efficient court processes. The 2025 legislative changes strengthened landlord rights, particularly regarding squatters (who now have significantly fewer protections) and abandoned property (72-hour retrieval window).
The typical eviction process takes several weeks to a few months depending on court schedules and whether the case is contested. Average costs: approximately $245 for Justice Court cases, $287 for County Court cases.
The new wrongful eviction penalty (up to 3x fair market rent plus fees) underscores the importance of following proper procedures.
Bottom line: Mississippi offers landlords a fast, straightforward eviction process with short notice periods. The 2025 legislative changes strengthened landlord rights while clarifying procedures. Follow proper notice requirements, document everything, and remember the new 72-hour rule for tenant property retrieval.
