Updated for 2026

Mississippi Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Mississippi gives landlords 45 days to return your deposit and has no cap on how much they can charge. The penalty for bad faith withholding is just $200 plus actual damages — one of the weakest in the country. Documentation and a strong demand letter are your best tools.

Calculate My Refund Generate Demand Letter

Mississippi Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline
45 Days
Maximum Deposit
No State Limit
Penalty for Late Return
$200 + Damages
Bad faith only
Interest Required
✗ No
Applicable Law
Miss. Code § 89-8-21
Weak Penalty Warning: Mississippi's $200 penalty for bad faith withholding is one of the lowest in the country. Most states impose 2x or 3x the withheld amount. This means your landlord has little financial incentive to return your deposit on time. A formal demand letter and thorough documentation are critical to protecting yourself.

Calculate Your Mississippi Deposit Refund

Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to see your landlord's deadline and total refund.

Open Full Calculator Generate Demand Letter

Mississippi Security Deposit Law — Explained

The 45-Day Return Rule

Under Miss. Code § 89-8-21, landlords have 45 days after the tenant moves out to return the security deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts when the tenant surrenders possession of the unit and provides a forwarding address.

No Deposit Cap

Mississippi places no state limit on security deposit amounts. Landlords can charge whatever they want. This makes it especially important to negotiate deposit terms before signing a lease and to document the condition of the unit thoroughly at move-in.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and costs to restore the unit to its original condition (minus normal wear). The landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant.

The $200 Penalty Problem

Mississippi's penalty for bad faith withholding is just $200 plus actual damages. Compare this to states like Texas (3x), Massachusetts (3x + 5% interest), or Colorado (3x). The low penalty means landlords face minimal consequences for wrongfully keeping your deposit. This makes prevention — documentation, written communication, and a formal demand letter — far more important than relying on legal penalties.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

  1. 1
    Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease and all communications.
  2. 2
    Provide your forwarding address in writing Mississippi's 45-day clock starts when you surrender possession and provide a forwarding address.
  3. 3
    Send a written demand Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing Miss. Code § 89-8-21. Send via certified mail.
  4. 4
    Wait 45 days from your move-out date This is the statutory deadline for your landlord to return the deposit or provide an itemized deduction list.
  5. 5
    File in small claims court Mississippi's small claims limit is $3,500. You can sue for the deposit amount plus $200 and actual damages for bad faith.

Mississippi Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Mississippi?
Mississippi landlords have 45 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions.
What is the maximum security deposit in Mississippi?
Mississippi has no state limit on security deposit amounts.
What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Mississippi?
The penalty is just $200 plus actual damages for bad faith withholding — one of the lowest in the country.
Does Mississippi require interest on security deposits?
No. Mississippi does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
How do I get my security deposit back in Mississippi?
Provide your forwarding address in writing, send a demand letter citing Miss. Code § 89-8-21, and file in small claims court (limit: $3,500) if unresolved after 45 days.

Ready to Calculate Your Mississippi Refund?

It takes less than 60 seconds. Free for every renter.

Use the Calculator → Generate a Demand Letter →