MS HB548

Changes tenant removal procedures to mandatory ("shall") rather than discretionary ("may") when tenant holds over without permission or defaults on rent payment.

Allows landlords to provide notice to tenants via email or text message in addition to written notice, and reduces notice period for rental agreement breaches from 30 days to 14 days.

Expands definition of "rent" to include late fees accrued under rental agreements and requires tenants to pay full rent plus late fees to stay eviction proceedings, removing the option to provide satisfactory security instead.

Requires justice court judges to complete eviction hearings for nonpayment of rent within 30 days and mandates removal of tenant within 30 days if rent is not paid, eliminating judicial discretion in these cases.

Eliminates landlord liability for unpaid utility bills or similar charges left by defaulting tenants.