HB 1580 Summary

• Brings forward 23 sections of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Mississippi Code §89-8-1 through §89-8-45) for purposes of amendment and clarification of landlord-tenant rights and obligations.

• Establishes requirements for rental agreements, including prohibitions on waiving tenant/landlord rights, rules for breach notices (14 days to cure general breaches, 3 days for nonpayment of rent), and provisions for security deposit handling with itemized deductions within 45 days of tenancy end.

• Defines landlord obligations to maintain premises in habitable condition with working plumbing, heating/cooling systems, and compliance with building codes; allows tenants to repair defects after 30-day notice and recover costs up to one month's rent.

• Outlines eviction procedures requiring sworn affidavits, proper summons service, and court hearings; grants tenants 7 days to vacate after judgment (shorter periods allowed for health/safety emergencies), with exception that nonpayment judgments cannot result in removal if tenant pays owed amounts by court-ordered move-out date.

• Takes effect July 1, 2024.