Security deposit law in Mississippi

No statutory limit. The return rule is 45 days. The controlling text is Miss. Code § 89-8-21.

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Mississippi's return deadline

45 days.

You have 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit or deliver an itemized accounting of any deductions. Mississippi keeps the rules sparse, which makes the paper trail your main protection.

The itemized statement rule

An itemized list of damages is required when you withhold any part of the deposit. There is no statutory formality beyond that, so document each line against move-in condition.

Account and interest rules

Mississippi sets no separate-account or interest requirement. Hold the deposit apart from operating funds regardless.

Exposure for wrongful withholding

Wrongfully withheld amount plus damages.

A landlord who wrongfully retains a deposit is liable for the amount withheld plus damages, and a court can add costs where the retention was not in good faith. With no cap and light formality, the timely itemized accounting is the discipline that matters.

Mississippi has no statutory deposit maximum

No statutory limit.

Compare Mississippi with neighboring states

• Louisiana: no statutory limit; return rule: 30 days.
• Arkansas: two months' rent; return rule: 60 days.
• Tennessee: no statutory limit; return rule: no fixed statutory deadline.
• Alabama: one month's rent; return rule: 35 days.