MS SB2626

Enacts the "Comprehensive Landlord and Tenant Act" effective January 1, 2023, consolidating and replacing existing Mississippi landlord-tenant laws (Chapters 7 and 8 of Title 89) to comply with a federal court ruling in Conner v. Alltin, LLC

Establishes new eviction procedures requiring summons to inform tenants of their rights, including: the right to present defenses at hearings, that nonpayment evictions can be avoided by paying rent owed, and that tenants have 7 days after judgment to vacate (with exceptions for emergencies)

Provides tenants 72 hours after warrant of removal execution to retrieve personal property from dwelling units; landlords may then dispose of remaining property at the curb or designated garbage area without liability for damage from natural elements

Abolishes distraint (seizure of property) for rent and prohibits liens on residential tenants' personal property; landlords cannot use self-help eviction methods such as breaking doors, using violence, harassment, or cutting utilities (except in specific circumstances)

Creates expedited hearing procedures for possession-only judgments (within 3 business days), allows landlords to pre-file for warrants of removal, and imposes $1,000 penalties on landlords who falsely affirm tenants haven't paid or on tenants who willfully damage property during eviction