MS HB843

Allows landlords to notify tenants of nonpayment of rent via email or text message in addition to written notice, with notice valid through any of these methods.

Requires tenants to pay complete rent due plus any accrued late fees to stay eviction proceedings; removes the previous option for tenants to provide security instead of paying rent.

Reduces the notice period for breach of rental agreement from 30 days to 14 days, except for nonpayment of rent which follows expedited eviction procedures under Chapter 7.

Caps eviction hearings for nonpayment of rent at a maximum of 30 days total, prohibiting adjournments that would extend the hearing beyond this period.

Expands the definition of "rent" to include late fees accrued from nonpayment under the rental agreement, and requires justice court to put landlord in possession within 48 hours when tenant abandons premises with unpaid rent.