Mississippi Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Miss. Code §89-8-21 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 45 calendar days after termination of tenancy.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration resulting from ordinary use of the premises.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to full deposit return plus court costs for failure to comply under Miss. Code §89-8-21.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: No statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 45 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $3,500
Additional Protections
- Landlord must return deposit within 45 days
- Landlord must provide itemized list of damages
What Your Mississippi Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Mississippi's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
Miss. Code §89-8-21 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Mississippi law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration resulting from ordinary use of the premises...
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Mississippi Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Mississippi?
Under Miss. Code §89-8-21, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 45 calendar days after termination of tenancy. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Mississippi landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Mississippi, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Mississippi?
In Mississippi: Deterioration resulting from ordinary use of the premises. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Mississippi landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to full deposit return plus court costs for failure to comply under Miss. Code §89-8-21. You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi small claims court handles cases up to $3,500. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Mississippi?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Mississippi-specific dispute letter citing Miss. Code §89-8-21 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
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