Need a Property Rentals Contract in Mississippi? AroundWire Can Help

In Mississippi, property rental contracts—covering both residential and commercial properties—are governed primarily by state landlord-tenant statutes (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-7-1 et seq. and § 89-8-1 et seq.), which dictate essential terms such as lease duration, notice periods for termination, and allowable security deposits (typically capped at one month’s rent for residential leases). Commercial leases are more flexible but often reference statutory notice and eviction procedures. All rental agreements should clearly specify rent amounts, payment schedules, late fees, and maintenance responsibilities. Mississippi does not require special licensing for landlords, but property managers handling rentals for others must be licensed real estate brokers. Insurance obligations are standard: lessors typically require lessees to carry liability and property insurance, naming the landlord as an additional insured. Risk factors include property condition disclosures and compliance with local habitability codes, though Mississippi’s requirements are less stringent than some states. Contracts often include indemnification clauses and define procedures for dispute resolution, with a preference for local venue in state courts; arbitration clauses are less common but not prohibited. Payment defaults and remedies are clearly outlined, and the state allows for relatively swift eviction processes for nonpayment. Overall, contracts should be tailored to reflect statutory requirements and local market practices, with careful attention to notice provisions and insurance mandates.