When a renter in Mississippi can’t obtain necessary repairs, before beginning a court case it’s usually possible to file a report with the proper government departments about the unsafe conditions on the property. Code inspectors have the power to order repairs or fine noncompliant landlords.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have the following, maintained to a basic habitable standard:
- The structure of the dwelling unit.
- Plumbing.
- Common areas.
- Features that affect health, safety, or habitability.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Mississippi?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Mississippi must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within 14 days.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Mississippi?
Tenants in Mississippi should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Jackson | Department of Constituent Services | Online Form |
| Gulfport | 311 Service | Online Form |
| Southaven | Municipal Code Enforcement Division |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Jackson?
A tenant in Jackson can report a health or safety violation by calling the Department of Constituent Services at (601) 960-2324 or using the provided online form. Account creation is required. Select a relevant issue, enter location and contact information along with a description of the issue, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Gulfport?
A tenant in Gulfport can report a health or safety violation by calling the 311 Service at (228) 868-5700 or using the provided online form. Provide contact information and location, describe the issue in detail, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Southaven?
A tenant in Southaven can report a health or safety violation by calling the Municipal Code Enforcement Division at (662) 280-6523 or emailing the Code Enforcement Supervisor. Be ready to provide location, contact information, and a detailed description of the issue.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Mississippi?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Mississippi, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-23(1), (2), & (4) (2022)
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“(1) A landlord shall at all times during the tenancy: (a) Comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; (b) Maintain the dwelling unit, its plumbing, heating and/or cooling system, in substantially the same condition as at the inception of the lease, reasonable wear and tear excluded…
“(2) No duty on the part of the landlord shall arise under this section in connection with a defect which is caused by the deliberate or negligent act of the tenant or persons on the premises with the tenant’s permission…
“(4) No duty on the part of the landlord shall arise under this section in connection with a defect which is caused by the tenant’s affirmative act or failure to comply with his obligations under Section 89-8-25 [tenant’s legal responsibilities].”
Source Link - 2 Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-13(3)(a) & (3)(b) (2022)
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“The nonbreaching party may deliver a notice to the party in breach in writing, or by email or text message if the breaching party has agreed in writing to be notified by email or text message, specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than fourteen (14) days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied within a reasonable time not in excess of fourteen (14) days; and the rental agreement shall terminate and the tenant shall surrender possession as provided in the notice subject to the following: (a) If the breach is remediable by repairs, the payment of damages, or otherwise, and the breaching party adequately remedies the breach before the date specified in the notice, the rental agreement shall not terminate; (b) In the absence of a showing of due care by the breaching party, if substantially the same act or omission which constituted a prior noncompliance of which notice was given recurs within six (6) months, the nonbreaching party may terminate the rental agreement upon at least fourteen (14) days’ notice in writing, or by email or text message if the breaching party has agreed in writing to be notified by email or text message, specifying the breach and the date of termination of the rental agreement.”
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