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Mississippi security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Mississippi, a landlord has 45 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Miss. Code § 89-8-21). Under Mississippi law, a landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith can owe the amount withheld plus up to $200.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

45

days for a Mississippi landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

The landlord must return any part of the deposit owed no later than 45 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession and demands the deposit.

What the landlord must send you

A written notice itemizing the amounts claimed.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

Bad-faith retention can make the landlord liable for up to $200 in damages, plus actual damages (Miss. Code § 89-8-21).

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

Mississippi security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Mississippi?

The landlord must return any part of the deposit owed no later than 45 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession and demands the deposit.

What must a Mississippi landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A written notice itemizing the amounts claimed.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Mississippi?

Bad-faith retention can make the landlord liable for up to $200 in damages, plus actual damages (Miss. Code § 89-8-21).

How do I get my security deposit back in Mississippi?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 45 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Miss. Code § 89-8-21 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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