In Mississippi, there are no state or local rent control laws that limit how much landlords can increase rent. This means landlords have significant freedom to raise rental prices, provided they follow certain legal procedures like proper notice and lease terms. While tenants enjoy some protections, the state affords landlords broad discretion in managing rents.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
Mississippi law requires landlords to give tenants adequate notice before raising rent. For tenants on a month-to-month lease, landlords must provide at least 30 days written notice of any rent increase. For tenants renting on a week-to-week basis, the notice period is shorter, requiring at least 7 days advance notice.
In the case of fixed-term leases, landlords generally cannot raise rent until the lease term ends unless the agreement explicitly allows otherwise. Rent increases must align with the terms of any active lease to be valid.
No Caps on Rent Increases
Unlike some states, Mississippi does not impose caps or limits on the amount by which a landlord can raise rent. Landlords may set rental prices according to market demand and can increase rent by any percentage once the lease term expires or with proper notice on a periodic lease.
This means tenants may face substantial rent hikes, especially in markets with rising housing costs. Tenants are encouraged to carefully review their lease agreements to check for any clauses related to rent increases.
Tenant Protections and Rights
Although Mississippi offers limited protection against rent increases, tenants have rights to ensure fairness. Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights, such as requesting repairs or filing complaints. Rent increases based on discrimination or other unlawful motives are also prohibited.
Tenants who dispute a rent increase can negotiate with their landlord or choose not to renew the lease and seek alternate housing. While Mississippi law does not provide a formal rent increase dispute process, tenants may seek legal counsel if they believe a rent increase is unlawful.
Security Deposits and Rent Increases
Mississippi law caps security deposits at no more than one month’s rent for unfurnished units and two months’ rent for furnished units. While a rent increase does not directly increase the allowed security deposit, tenants should be aware that landlords may request additional deposits if the rent increases significantly.
Mississippi has no rent control and no legal cap on rent increases in 2025, giving landlords broad authority to raise rents as they see fit. However, landlords must comply with proper notice requirements, typically 30 days for month-to-month leases, and cannot raise rent during an active fixed-term lease unless permitted by contract.
Tenants should review lease agreements carefully, understand notice timelines, and be aware of their rights against retaliatory or discriminatory rent hikes. While tenants face challenges in contesting rent increases, awareness and negotiation can help secure fair rental terms. Mississippi’s landlord-tenant laws emphasize transparency and procedural fairness but allow flexible rent pricing in a free market.
Sources
(https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-mississippi)
(https://www.hemlane.com/resources/mississippi-rent-control-laws/)
(https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-mississippi)
(https://www.mslegalservices.org/resource/landlord-tenant-law-in-mississippi)
(https://www.msbar.org/for-the-public/consumer-information/cur-rent-law-for-tenants-and-landlords/)
