Lease Agreement Template Mississippi

RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT (MISSISSIPPI)

DOCUMENT CONTROL

• Effective Date: [Insert Date]
• Version: 2024.1.0-MS
• Jurisdiction: State of Mississippi (Governed by MS Code § 89-7 and § 89-8)

1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This document is a standardized template provided for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. Laws regarding landlord-tenant relations are subject to change. Parties are strongly advised to consult with a Mississippi-licensed attorney to ensure compliance with municipal ordinances and specific contractual nuances.

2. PARTIES & PREMISES

Landlord: [Full Legal Name of Landlord/Entity] ("Landlord") Tenant(s): [Full Legal Name of Tenant 1], [Full Legal Name of Tenant 2] ("Tenant")

Property: The premises located at [Street Address, City, State, Zip Code], including all improvements and appurtenances ("Premises").

3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

I. TERM: The lease shall commence on [Start Date] and terminate on [End Date]. Upon expiration, the lease shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy unless written notice of termination is provided at least 30 days prior to the expiration date.

II. RENT: Tenant shall pay a monthly sum of [Amount $] due on the [Day] of each month via [Payment Method]. Late fees shall accrue at [Amount $] after a [Number]-day grace period.

III. SECURITY DEPOSIT: Tenant shall deposit [Amount $] to be held by Landlord. Per Miss. Code § 89-8-21, Landlord shall return the deposit, less any itemized deductions for damages (excluding normal wear and tear), within 45 days of lease termination and surrender of the Premises.

IV. UTILITIES: Tenant is responsible for the following utilities: [List Utilities, e.g., Electric, Water, Gas]. Landlord is responsible for: [List Utilities].

V. MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS: Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition. Landlord shall perform all major structural repairs. Tenant must provide written notice for any necessary repairs.

VI. RIGHT OF ENTRY: Landlord shall provide at least 24 hours' notice prior to entering the Premises, except in the event of an emergency or where impracticable.

VII. DEFAULT: Failure to comply with any material term of this Agreement shall constitute a default. Landlord may initiate eviction proceedings pursuant to the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act upon providing the statutorily required notice to cure or vacate.

VIII. GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi.

4. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

LANDLORD SIGNATURE: ___________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

TENANT SIGNATURE: ___________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

TENANT SIGNATURE: ___________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

5. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Inspection/Disclosure: Before signing, conduct a joint walk-through of the Premises. Attach a "Move-In Checklist" noting existing damages to protect the Security Deposit. Provide the required Lead-Based Paint Disclosure if the structure was built prior to 1978.
2. Execution: Ensure all adult occupants (18+) sign the lease to establish joint and several liability. Affix signatures in the presence of a notary public if local recordation is desired or required by the property owner.
3. Delivery: Provide a fully executed copy to all parties within three (3) business days. Retain the original in a secure, fireproof location for the duration of the statute of limitations for contract enforcement in Mississippi (typically 3 years for oral, 3 years for written contracts—consult counsel on specific litigation windows).
4. Compliance: If the property is in a jurisdiction with specific rental licensing (e.g., Jackson or Gulfport), ensure the lease is filed or registered in accordance with local municipal code.