Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, landlord entry laws are notably more lenient for owners compared to other states. Because state statutes do not mandate a specific notice period (like 24 or 48 hours), the rental agreement is the primary authority on your privacy rights.

Summary of Entry Rights

• Without Permission: A landlord can generally enter without prior consent only in a “true emergency” (e.g., fire, flooding, or imminent danger to the property).

• For Repairs/Inspections: While MS law suggests landlords should provide “reasonable notice” for non-emergencies, there is no state law defining what “reasonable” means. Most landlords default to 24 hours, but this is governed by your specific lease terms.

• Contractual Power: Mississippi law allows the rental agreement to explicitly define entry rights. If your lease says the landlord can enter for repairs with no notice, that clause is generally enforceable unless it borders on harassment.

Legal References

• MS Code § 89-8-11: Allows landlords to adopt rules to “preserve the landlord’s property from abuse,” which often includes entry for maintenance.

• MS Code § 89-7-49: Outlines specific procedures for entry if the landlord believes the property has been abandoned.

Note: If your landlord enters repeatedly without notice for non-emergencies, it may constitute a breach of “quiet enjoyment” or harassment, regardless of the lease terms.

The information for this answer was found on our Mississippi Landlord Tenant Rights answers.