Rent control rules in Harrison County, MS — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Harrison County has no rent control. Mississippi has no statewide preemption law, but no city has adopted rent control either. Landlords set market rates with 30-day notice for month-to-month increases.
Rent control does not exist in Harrison County or anywhere in Mississippi. While Mississippi is one of the minority of states without an explicit rent control preemption statute, Dillon's Rule limits municipal authority to enact rent regulation without specific legislative grant, and no Mississippi city has pursued it. Landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice on month-to-month tenancies. MS Code §89-8-19 requires 30 days written notice to terminate or modify a month-to-month lease, which effectively sets the notice period for rent increases. Post-Katrina rebuilding and casino expansion drove rental demand up significantly along the Coast; federal disaster assistance and HUD vouchers provide the primary affordability tools rather than rent regulation. Security deposit limits, return deadlines, and habitability standards are governed by MS Code §89-8, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Rent increase without 30-day notice: unenforceable until proper notice given. Retaliatory increase after tenant complaint: MS §89-8 defense. Failure to return security deposit within 45 days: landlord owes deposit plus damages.
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County and cities prohibit abandoned or inoperable vehicles on streets and visible on private property. MS Code §63-23-1 et seq. governs abandoned v...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County permits wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and ornamental metal fences. Hurricane-rated construction preferred due to Gulf Coast exposure. Ba...
Harrison County, MS
Mississippi prohibits private ownership of inherently dangerous wild animals under MS Code §49-8-5. Permits required for certain species. Harrison County cit...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County permits residential rainwater harvesting without restriction. Mississippi has no state law limiting rainwater collection, and the county enco...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County requires permits to remove trees over 6-12 inch DBH in most municipalities. Live oaks are specially protected in Gulfport and Biloxi. Hurrica...
Harrison County, MS
Artificial turf generally permitted in Harrison County. No state or local ban. Gulfport and Biloxi require proper drainage due to Gulf Coast flood-prone soil...
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