Short answer: No. In Mississippi, a landlord cannot legally shut off utilities to force a tenant to move out. Intentionally cutting off electricity, water, gas, or other essential services to pressure a tenant to leave is generally considered an illegal eviction under Mississippi law.
Even if a tenant:
- Is behind on rent
- Violated the lease
- Has stayed past the lease term
A landlord must still follow the court-ordered eviction process.
Table of Contents
Why Utility Shutoffs Are Illegal in Mississippi
Mississippi law does not allow “self-help” evictions. Utility shutoffs are one of the most common examples of self-help eviction because they are used to make the property unlivable without court involvement.
Courts view essential utilities—such as electricity, water, and gas—as basic necessities. When a landlord intentionally interferes with these services to remove a tenant, it bypasses the tenant’s right to due process.
👉 Only a judge can authorize an eviction in Mississippi.
What Utilities Cannot Be Shut Off?
A landlord may not intentionally disconnect or interfere with:
This applies whether utilities are:
- Included in rent, or
- Controlled by the landlord
What If Utilities Are in the Tenant’s Name?
If utilities are in the tenant’s name and the tenant fails to pay the utility company, service may be shut off by the provider.
However, a landlord still may not:
Doing so may still qualify as an illegal eviction.
Does It Matter If Rent Is Overdue?
No. Unpaid rent does not give a landlord the right to shut off utilities.
The only lawful way to remove a tenant is to:
Until that process is complete, the tenant has the right to remain in the property with utilities intact.
Can a Landlord Shut Off Utilities After the Lease Ends?
No. Even if a lease has expired, the landlord must still go through the eviction process.
A tenant who remains after the lease term (a “holdover tenant”) is still protected from:
What Should a Tenant Do If Utilities Are Shut Off?
If a landlord shuts off utilities to force eviction, a tenant should:
- Document the shutoff (photos, videos, timestamps)
- Contact local law enforcement to report illegal eviction activity
- Seek emergency restoration of utilities if possible
- File a court claim or complaint against the landlord
Mississippi courts may allow tenants to recover damages related to:
- Temporary housing
- Food spoilage
- Health or safety risks
Penalties for Landlords Who Shut Off Utilities
Landlords who illegally shut off utilities may face:
- Court-ordered damages
- Liability for tenant losses
- Possible additional penalties if the conduct was intentional or repeated
Utility shutoffs often strengthen a tenant’s case in an illegal eviction lawsuit.
Related Mississippi Illegal Eviction Resources
- Mississippi Illegal Eviction Laws
- Can a Landlord Evict You Without a Court Order in Mississippi?
- Is Lockout Legal in Mississippi?
- What Counts as an Illegal Eviction in Mississippi?
Key Takeaway
In Mississippi, a landlord may not shut off utilities to force a tenant to move out. Doing so is typically considered an illegal eviction and may expose the landlord to serious legal consequences.
If you are facing a utility shutoff related to eviction, understanding your rights under Mississippi law can help you protect yourself and take appropriate action.
Author Disclosure
Written by Emily Carter, J.D.
Housing law researcher and Small Claims Court specialist with over 8 years of experience in landlord–tenant disputes.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal advice.
