MS SB2242

Amends Section 89-8-23 of Mississippi Code to add penalties for landlords who violate duties under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, including maintaining building codes and property conditions.

Establishes graduated daily fines for uncured violations: $100/day for first violation, $200/day for second violation, or $300/day for third violation during a thirty-day period, with additional civil penalties of $50-$250 for false certifications of correction.

Creates specific penalties for failure to provide heat and hot water: $250/day misdemeanor penalty plus $1,000 initial fine and $25/day for devices that prevent meeting the 120-degree minimum temperature requirement between 6 a.m. and midnight.

Requires landlords to submit to annual inspections by designated officials and allows tenants to pursue civil or criminal contempt proceedings against landlords who fail to cure violations.

Establishes misdemeanor penalties of $10-$1,000 fine and/or up to one year imprisonment for willful violations, failure to comply with agency orders, or making false statements on required documents; effective July 1, 2021.