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Mississippi Security Deposit Demand Letter (Miss. Code § 89-8-21)

Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.

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[Your full name]
[Your forwarding address]

October 15, 2026

[Landlord or property manager name]

Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]

Dear [Landlord or property manager name],

I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.

Under Miss. Code § 89-8-21, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is returned and the tenant demands the deposit. This letter is my written demand, and it provides my forwarding address.

Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.

If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the deposit wrongfully withheld, plus actual damages and up to $200 more if it was kept in bad faith.

I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.

Sincerely,

[Your full name]

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How security deposits work in Mississippi

Mississippi gives landlords 45 days to return a security deposit. The period runs from the end of the tenancy, the tenant's return of possession and the tenant's demand for the deposit, which is one reason a written demand like this letter matters. The landlord may apply the deposit to unpaid rent and to damages caused by the tenant's failure to meet the lease or the law, but not to normal wear and tear.

If the landlord keeps any part of the deposit, they must give the tenant a written, itemized list of the deductions along with any balance owed. Mississippi law does not cap how large a deposit can be, and it doesn't require landlords to pay interest on it. Giving a forwarding address in writing helps make sure the refund and any itemized list reach you.

A landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith, in violation of the statute, can be ordered to pay up to $200 in damages on top of any actual damages. The penalty is modest compared with some states, so clear records matter: photos from move-in and move-out, the lease, and proof that you sent this demand.

What to do, step by step

Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Mississippi's own deadline under Miss. Code § 89-8-21 is 45 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Mississippi limit: $3,500 (justice court)). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.

What if the landlord ignores the letter?

Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.

In Mississippi, the rules are set out in Mississippi Code § 89-8-21. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award the deposit wrongfully withheld, plus actual damages and up to $200 more if it was kept in bad faith.

Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Mississippi the limit is $3,500 (justice court), which covers nearly every deposit dispute.

Example Mississippi security deposit demand letter

A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.

Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield

October 5, 2026

Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield

Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield

Dear Oakview Property Management,

I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.

I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.

Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.

If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the deposit wrongfully withheld, plus actual damages and up to $200 more if it was kept in bad faith.

I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.

Sincerely,

Jordan Rivera

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Mississippi landlord have to return a deposit?

45 days. The period is measured from the end of the tenancy, the return of possession and your demand for the deposit. Sending a written demand, like this letter, and keeping proof of mailing helps establish when the 45 days began.

Can a Mississippi landlord deduct for normal wear and tear?

No. Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage caused by the tenant's failure to follow the lease or the law. Ordinary wear from everyday living isn't a valid deduction, and any amount kept must be listed in writing.

What can I recover if my Mississippi landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?

A court can order the deposit returned and add up to $200 in damages on top of your actual damages when the landlord acted in bad faith. Good records, such as photos and copies of your letters, are the best way to show what happened.

What is the small claims limit in Mississippi?

Justice courts in Mississippi hear civil claims of up to $3,500, which covers many deposit disputes. If your claim is larger, you would need to file in county or circuit court instead, where procedures are more formal.

Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?

Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.

How should I send the letter?

Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.

FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.