Housing (Landlords)

HB 840 would have revised Mississippi's landlord-tenant law to clarify when tenants can repair rental property defects and seek reimbursement. It required tenants to provide landlords 30 days' written notice of a material defect, stay current on rent, and submit receipts for repairs costing no more than usual market rates. Tenants could also offset repair costs against future rent and must notify other tenants sharing facilities before repairs. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law.

HB 1352 would change Mississippi law to extend the notice period for tenants who miss rent payments. Currently, landlords must give tenants 5 days to pay overdue rent before starting eviction; this bill would increase that to 14 days. It directly affects renters who fall behind on payments and their landlords by providing more time to resolve payment issues. The key change is modifying Section 89-8-13(5)(a) of the Mississippi Code to require a 14-day notice period for nonpayment of rent. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and has not become law.