MS SB2341

Amends Section 89-8-23 of Mississippi Code to add penalties for landlord violations of residential maintenance duties, including compliance with building codes and maintenance of plumbing, heating, and cooling systems.

Establishes escalating daily fines for uncured violations: $100 per day for first violation, $200 per day for second violation, and $300 per day for third violation within a thirty-day period.

Requires landlords to provide hot water at minimum 120 degrees between 6 a.m. and midnight, with failure to do so subject to $250 per day penalty; installing devices to prevent meeting this standard results in $1,000 penalty plus $25 per day for continuation.

Mandates annual property inspections by designated officials and permits tenants to seek civil or criminal contempt of court charges if landlords fail to cure violations.

Establishes misdemeanor penalties of $10 to $1,000 fine and/or up to one year imprisonment for willful or reckless violations of the section or false certifications; effective July 1, 2019.