Mississippi's removal procedure is fast and landlord-friendly. Justice court practices vary across the state's 82 counties.
Mississippi's eviction process is called Removal of Tenant and is governed by Mississippi Code Title 89, Chapter 7. Cases are filed in justice court at the county level. Mississippi is firmly landlord-friendly with short notice periods and limited tenant defenses. Uncontested cases typically conclude within three to five weeks of filing.
Removal of Tenant cases are filed in the justice court of the county where the property is located. Mississippi's 82 counties each have justice courts that handle landlord-tenant matters. Hinds County (Jackson) and Harrison County (Gulf Coast) have higher case volumes and more developed landlord-tenant procedures.
For non-payment of rent, Mississippi requires a 3-day written notice to pay or vacate (Miss. Code 89-7-27). The notice must state the amount owed and inform the tenant that they have three days to pay in full or vacate. Three days is one of the shorter notice periods in the country.
For material lease violations, Mississippi requires a 14-day notice to cure or vacate. For violations involving substantial property damage or illegal activity, shorter notice or no cure opportunity may apply.
For month-to-month tenancies without cause, Mississippi requires 30 days written notice. Deliver notices by personal service, posting on the door, or certified mail. Document delivery thoroughly.
After the notice period expires, file a removal of tenant complaint in the justice court of the property's county. Filing fees in Mississippi are typically $50 to $100 — among the lower fees in the country. Service is performed by the sheriff or constable.
The hearing is typically scheduled within 5 to 10 days of filing. The tenant must appear at the hearing — failure to appear results in default judgment.
Mississippi justice court hearings in removal cases are informal and brief. Bring your lease, the notice you served, proof of service, your rent ledger, and any documentation. The justice court judge will hear both sides and typically issue a ruling at the hearing.
If you prevail, the writ of removal is issued. Tenants can appeal to circuit court but appeals require posting bond and continuing rent payments.
Hinds County, anchored by Jackson, is Mississippi's most populous county. Hinds County eviction filings go to one of the Hinds County Justice Courts — multiple justice court judges hear cases in different districts of the county. Jackson is Mississippi's capital and primary urban rental market.
Harrison County, on the Gulf Coast, includes Gulfport and Biloxi. The Gulf Coast rental market has been shaped by hurricane recovery, casino industry employment, and military bases. Harrison County eviction filings go to the Harrison County Justice Court. For detailed landlord-tenant law specific to each county — including local court contacts, filing logistics, and procedural variations — see Hinds County landlord-tenant law and Harrison County landlord-tenant law.
Mississippi's removal procedure is fast and landlord-friendly, but local justice court practices vary significantly across the state's 82 counties. See the full Mississippi landlord-tenant law guide for notice templates, security deposit rules, and county-specific information.
Once the writ of removal is issued, the sheriff executes the writ. Execution typically occurs within 5 to 10 days. Be present with a locksmith and document the unit's condition.
Mississippi law provides procedures for handling tenant property left behind. Specific requirements vary by jurisdiction. Provide notice and reasonable opportunity for retrieval before disposal.