How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Mississippi?
Usually 45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, and the tenant demands the deposit back.
The demand part is important. Mississippi should not be treated as simply 45 days after move-out.
Do I have to demand my deposit back in Mississippi?
Yes, the Mississippi rule includes demand by the tenant as part of the 45-day trigger.
The safest practical move is to make the demand in writing and keep proof.
What counts as demand?
A clear written request is best. It can be a letter, email, text, portal message, or other written communication that asks for the deposit back.
Include the rental address, your deposit amount, the date you returned possession, and where the landlord should send payment or a written response.
Can a Mississippi landlord deduct for ordinary wear and tear?
No. Mississippi excludes ordinary wear and tear from tenant-caused damage deductions.
Normal use is different from damage caused by neglect, misuse, or an accident.
Can a Mississippi landlord deduct cleaning costs?
Yes, cleaning upon termination is one of the categories Mississippi identifies.
That does not make every cleaning charge automatically fair. The landlord should still itemize the amount claimed, and your move-out photos and cleaning records can matter.
What happens if the landlord keeps part of the deposit?
The landlord's written notice must itemize the amounts claimed.
Review whether each charge fits an allowed category: rent default, tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, cleaning upon termination, or other reasonable and necessary expenses resulting from tenant default.
What proof should I keep?
Keep the written demand, proof it was sent, possession-return proof, the lease, deposit payment records, photos, videos, messages, any itemized statement, and any refund record.
The cleanest Mississippi dispute record shows the demand date, possession date, deposit amount, and what the landlord did or did not send.
Is there a statewide Mississippi deposit cap?
The Mississippi section 89-8-21 source stack used for this guide does not identify a statewide deposit cap.
Do not assume the law creates a one-month cap unless another reliable source or lease term supports that in your situation.
What if the landlord misses the deadline?
If the tenancy ended, possession was delivered, you demanded the deposit, and the landlord did not return the balance or properly itemize deductions within 45 days, your position is stronger.
Mississippi allows actual damages and, in the absence of good faith, up to $200. That is narrower than a double-deposit or multiplier penalty.
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Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.