Short answer: In Mississippi, the amount of notice required before eviction depends on the reason for the eviction. In some situations, no advance notice is required, while in others, landlords must provide written notice before filing an eviction case in court.
Understanding the correct notice requirement is critical, because evicting a tenant without proper notice can make the eviction illegal under Mississippi law.
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Eviction Notice Requirements in Mississippi (Overview)
Mississippi does not have a single, universal eviction notice period. Instead, notice requirements vary based on the situation:
- Nonpayment of rent
- Lease violations
- End of lease or holdover tenancy
- No-lease or month-to-month tenancy
Each category is explained below.
How Much Notice Is Required for Nonpayment of Rent?
In Mississippi, a landlord is generally not required to give advance notice before filing an eviction case for nonpayment of rent, unless the lease requires notice.
Key points:
- Mississippi law allows landlords to file eviction immediately after rent becomes overdue
- Many leases voluntarily include a notice or grace period
- If the lease requires notice, the landlord must follow it exactly
👉 Always check the lease first, because lease terms can create notice obligations even when state law does not.
How Much Notice Is Required for Lease Violations?
For lease violations other than nonpayment of rent (such as unauthorized occupants or property damage), Mississippi law does not mandate a specific notice period unless:
- The lease requires notice, or
- The landlord chooses to provide an opportunity to cure
If a lease includes a “notice to cure” clause, the landlord must follow it before filing eviction.
How Much Notice Is Required When a Lease Ends?
When a fixed-term lease expires and the tenant remains in the property, the tenant becomes a holdover tenant.
In Mississippi:
- A landlord may file for eviction after lease expiration
- Advance notice is not always required unless specified in the lease
However, many landlords still provide written notice to avoid disputes.
Notice Requirements for Month-to-Month or No-Lease Tenancies
For tenants renting without a written lease or on a month-to-month basis, reasonable notice is typically required before termination.
In many cases:
The exact requirement may depend on local court practices and the rental agreement.
Can a Landlord Evict Without Giving Any Notice?
Yes—in limited situations, Mississippi law allows landlords to file eviction without advance notice, especially for:
- Nonpayment of rent
- Certain lease violations
However, even when notice is not required:
- The landlord must still go to court
- A judge must issue an eviction order
- Self-help evictions (lockouts or utility shutoffs) remain illegal
What Happens If a Landlord Gives the Wrong Notice?
If a landlord provides incorrect notice or fails to follow lease requirements:
- The eviction case may be dismissed
- The landlord may have to restart the process
- The tenant may raise improper notice as a legal defense
Improper notice can significantly delay eviction proceedings.
What Should Tenants Do If They Receive an Eviction Notice?
Tenants who receive an eviction notice in Mississippi should:
- Review the lease carefully
- Check the reason for eviction
- Verify whether notice was required
- Prepare to appear in justice court if an eviction case is filed
Understanding notice requirements can help tenants protect their rights.
Related Mississippi Eviction Resources
- Mississippi Illegal Eviction Laws
- Can a Landlord Evict You Without a Court Order in Mississippi?
- Can a Landlord Shut Off Utilities to Force Eviction in Mississippi?
- What Counts as an Illegal Eviction in Mississippi?
Key Takeaway
In Mississippi, eviction notice requirements depend on the reason for eviction and the lease terms. While some evictions may proceed without advance notice, landlords must always obtain a court order before removing a tenant.
If you are facing eviction, knowing how much notice is required can help you determine whether the eviction is being handled legally.
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.
