Horn Lake, MS Security Deposit Laws 2026
Mississippi limits security deposits to 2 month's rent. In Horn Lake, that's $2,548 at the median 2BR rent of $1,274/month. Miss the 45-day return deadline and you could owe $2,548+.
In Mississippi, landlords must return security deposits within 45 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month's rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $2,548 or more.
Key Takeaways — Horn Lake Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month's rent = $2,548 at Horn Lake's median rent
- Return deadline: 45 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($2,548)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
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Security Deposit Laws in Horn Lake
Under Mississippi law, landlords in Horn Lake may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month's rent. At Horn Lake's median 2-bedroom rent of $1,274/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $2,548.
$2,548
max deposit (2mo × $1,274)
45 days
return deadline
$2,548
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 45-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Horn Lake rental, Mississippi law gives you exactly 45 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
LeaseBase tracks this 45-day deadline automatically for each of your Horn Lake properties.
Start free →What you can deduct from a security deposit in Horn Lake:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate Mississippi security deposit laws rules in Horn Lake and you could owe $2,548+. At Horn Lake's median rent of $1,274/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
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Start free →How Horn Lake Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Horn Lake landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Horn Lake) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,060/mo | $2,120 | $4,240 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,154/mo | $2,308 | $4,616 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,274/mo | $2,548 | $5,096 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,683/mo | $3,366 | $6,732 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for DeSoto County.
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More Horn Lake Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
