Jackson County, MS Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Jackson County has not enacted a mandatory rental registration ordinance for unincorporated areas. Under Mississippi's Dillon's Rule, counties lack explicit statutory authorization to require rental licensing fees, distinguishing Jackson County from jurisdictions in states like California or New Jersey. Landlords are not required to register rental units with the county or pay per-unit annual fees. However, all rental properties must comply with MS Code §89-8-23 habitability requirements, which mandate compliance with applicable building, housing, and health codes; maintenance of structural, plumbing, electrical, and heating systems; and provision of running water. The City of Pascagoula operates a complaint-driven rental inspection program through its Code Enforcement Division, as does Moss Point. Ocean Springs and Gautier rely primarily on complaint-based enforcement. Properties built before 1978 require federal lead paint disclosure. Smoke detectors are required in all rental units under MS Code §45-11-101. Post-Katrina FEMA elevation certificates may be required for rentals in AE and VE flood zones along the Mississippi Sound.