Mississippi 60-Day Notice Overview
Mississippi does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code 89-8-1 et seq.), month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with 30 days written notice under Section 89-8-19. Mississippi\'s landlord-tenant framework is straightforward and strongly landlord-friendly.
Mississippi is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the nation. The state has no rent control, no just-cause eviction requirements, minimal tenant protection statutes, and a very fast eviction process through Justice Courts. Security deposits are not capped by statute, though the deposit must be returned within 45 days of termination under Miss. Code 89-8-21. Mississippi\'s eviction process can be completed in as little as one week in uncontested cases.
30 Days
Statutory default
$35-$50
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
1-3 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Mississippi
Since Mississippi's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Some Mississippi property management companies include 60-day non-renewal clauses. When the lease specifies 60 days, the contractual obligation overrides the 30-day statutory minimum under Miss. Code 89-8-19.
Mississippi Home Corporation Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through the Mississippi Home Corporation and local PHAs frequently require 60-90 days notice before termination of subsidized tenancies.
Long-Term Tenant Courtesy
In Mississippi\'s growing rental markets — particularly Jackson, the Gulf Coast (Gulfport, Biloxi), and the DeSoto County suburbs of Memphis — providing 60 days to long-term tenants is considerate practice that reduces legal challenges.
Mississippi Legal Requirements
Mississippi's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
Mississippi Has Minimal Tenant Protections
Mississippi provides fewer statutory tenant protections than most states. There is no statewide implied warranty of habitability beyond the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act\'s basic requirements. Security deposits are not capped. The eviction process is extremely fast. Landlords should still comply with the basic notice requirements precisely, as Mississippi courts will dismiss actions with defective notices.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: Miss. Code 89-8-19 requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient for terminating residential tenancies in Mississippi
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including city, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the end of the monthly rental period
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, Mississippi mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: Miss. Code 89-8-21 requires return of the deposit within 45 days of termination with an itemized statement of deductions
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Mississippi
Proper service is critical in Mississippi. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a Mississippi-specific template referencing Miss. Code 89-8-19. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. Mississippi courts prefer personal service. Bring a witness or use a process server
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Mississippi accepts mailed service for landlord-tenant notices
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Eviction Action in Justice Court
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in Justice Court where the property is located
Mississippi Eviction Timeline
Mississippi\'s eviction process is filed in Justice Court (formerly Justice of the Peace Court) under Miss. Code 89-7-27 et seq. After filing, the court schedules a hearing, often within 3-7 days. Mississippi has one of the fastest eviction processes in the nation.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. Justice Court proceedings are informal. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. The tenant may have 3-5 days to vacate. The constable enforces removal if the tenant remains.
Total court timeline: 1-3 weeks uncontested, 3-5 weeks contested. Hinds County (Jackson) and Harrison County (Gulfport) handle the most cases. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 9-13 weeks.
Mississippi Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Mississippi vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Justice Court Filing Fee | $35 - $50 |
| Service of Process | $20 - $40 |
| Attorney Fees | $300 - $1,200 |
| Writ of Possession | $15 - $30 |
| Constable Enforcement | $40 - $100 |
Sample Mississippi 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Mississippi-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Pursuant to Miss. Code 89-8-19
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Mississippi Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
MISSISSIPPI COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 45 days of vacating per Miss. Code 89-8-21, with an itemized list of any deductions. Please provide a forwarding address upon vacating.