Security Deposit Laws in Gulfport, Mississippi
Based on Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21 · Verified 2026-09-25
Mississippi's deadline for returning a deposit is set by Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21. File in Harrison County Justice Court if your landlord doesn't return it.
Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21. Verified 2026-09-25.
●Mississippi State Law
Mississippi Security Deposit Rules
●Deductions
What Can My Landlord Deduct in Gulfport?
Allowed Deductions
- +Unpaid rent
- +Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- +Cleaning if lease requires and unit was left dirty
- +Lease-break fees if specified in lease
- +Costs to replace items tenant removed or kept
Prohibited Deductions
- ✕Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint)
- ✕Carpet replacement after useful life (typically 7-10 years)
- ✕Painting after 2+ year tenancy (normal wear)
- ✕Pre-existing damage not noted at move-in
- ✕Upgrades or improvements beyond restoring to original condition
●Court Information
Where to File Your Claim in Gulfport
●Step-by-Step
How to File a Security Deposit Claim in Gulfport
- 1
Send a demand letter
Before filing in court, send your landlord a formal demand letter citing Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21. Give them 7-14 days to respond. DepositHawk can generate this letter for you.
- 2
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in/move-out photos, security deposit receipt, any communication with your landlord, and the itemized deduction list (if one was provided).
- 3
File at Harrison County Justice Court
Go to 730 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501 or check if online filing is available. Bring a completed small claims form and the filing fee ($40-$75). File in the county where the rental property is located.
- 4
Serve your landlord
After filing, you must formally serve your landlord with the court papers. The court clerk can explain your options — typically by certified mail or a process server.
- 5
Attend the hearing
Present your evidence to the judge. No lawyer is needed. The entire process typically takes 30-90 days from filing to judgment.
Think your Gulfport landlord owes you money?
Check your rights under Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21 and generate a demand letter in minutes.
Check My Rights FreeFree. Takes 2 minutes. Real statute citations.
●Related Resources
Other Mississippi Cities
This information is based on Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21 as of 2026. Laws change. Verify current statutes at your state legislature's website. Court information should be confirmed directly with Harrison County Justice Court before visiting.
●Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit in Gulfport?
In Mississippi, the deadline under Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21 starts from a later event, such as your demand or the landlord getting your new address, so no date can be given from a move-out date alone. They must also provide an itemized statement of any deductions.
Where do I file a small claims case for my deposit in Gulfport?
File at Harrison County Justice Court, located at 730 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501. The filing fee ranges from $40 to $75. No lawyer is required.
Can my landlord deduct for normal wear and tear in Gulfport?
No. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21, normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, small nail holes, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be deducted from your security deposit in Mississippi.
●PROTECTION
Get your security deposit back
See exactly what your state’s law says your landlord owes you — the deadline they missed, the penalty multiplier, and the deductions they can’t legally make — then generate a statute-specific demand letter.
- State deadline — Exactly how many days your landlord had to return your deposit
- Penalty multiplier — Whether your state doubles or triples wrongful withholding
- Illegal deductions — Which charges your landlord can’t legally keep
- Statute-specific demand letter — Generated with the exact code section your landlord violated
State law deadline your landlord missed: cited
Penalty multiplier (varies by state): cited
Deductions they can’t legally make: listed
Demand amount with statutory basis: calculated
Everything your state’s law says your landlord owes you.
One-time demand letter: $19.
DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.