Mississippi Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Mississippi facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession, and the tenant demands return. Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21(3)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

3 days. The landlord may give written notice (or email/text, if the tenant agreed in writing to be notified that way) that the rental agreement will end if the rent is not paid within three days. Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-13(5)(a)

Small claims limit

$3,500. Justice court judges hear actions to recover debts, damages or personal property where the principal debt, demand or property value does not exceed $3,500. Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-9

Small estate affidavit

If the decedent's entire probate estate, excluding liens and encumbrances, is worth $75,000 or less, a successor may collect the decedent's tangible personal property, bank accounts and other debts owed, and stock or… Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322

Cost of a protective order

Free. There are no filing fees or fees for serving process or subpoenas. The court can order the respondent to pay costs, and a judge may charge court costs to a petitioner who filed for reasons other than protection. Attorney General DAPO brochure; Emergency DAPO Quick Reference Guide

Minimum wage

Mississippi has no state minimum wage law. Employers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table

Time limit to sue on a debt

3 years. Mississippi's general catch-all period of 3 years applies to written contracts, and unwritten contracts are expressly 3 years. Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1); § 15-1-29