The basic idea
Mississippi excludes ordinary wear and tear from tenant-caused damage deductions.
Normal use of a rental leaves signs behind. A security deposit is not supposed to make the tenant pay for every bit of aging or ordinary use.
Examples of ordinary wear
Ordinary wear can include things like:
- light scuffs from normal use
- faded paint or flooring from age
- minor wear on fixtures
- ordinary traffic patterns on floors
The details matter, but the basic idea is simple: normal use is different from damage.
Examples that may be damage
Damage can include things like:
- broken doors, windows, or fixtures
- holes, burns, or stains beyond normal use
- missing items
- damage caused by neglect, misuse, or an accident
Cleaning is its own issue
Mississippi also allows cleaning upon termination as a possible deposit use. That makes photos and move-out records especially important.
If the landlord claims both cleaning and damage, ask for the itemized amounts so you can see what is being charged for each category.
Official sources used for this guide
- Mississippi Attorney General - Residential Landlord and Tenant Act PDF
- Miss. Code section 89-8-21 text mirror
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.