Mississippi Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- $200 + actual damages (retention 'with absence of good faith' — damages not to exceed $200 IN ADDITION TO any actual damages (§89-8-21(4)). One of the weakest statutory penalties in the US — no multiplier)
- The law
- Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-21
The rule
45 days after termination of tenancy. Landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions (§89-8-21).
- No deposit cap under state law.
- The $200 statutory penalty applies even if actual damages are lower.
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In Mississippi, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-21 and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in Mississippi
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-21 and the $200 + actual damages penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
Mississippi deposit questions
How long does my Mississippi landlord have to return my deposit?
45 days after termination of tenancy. Landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions (§89-8-21).
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including Mississippi — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-21 for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in Mississippi?
Mississippi law allows $200 + actual damages for retention 'with absence of good faith' — damages not to exceed $200 IN ADDITION TO any actual damages (§89-8-21(4)). One of the weakest statutory penalties in the US — no multiplier. See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Verified 2026-10-09 against statute text.