Mississippi Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
A Mississippi rent-to-own agreement is a legal document that combines a traditional lease agreement with an option for the tenant to purchase the property at the end of the rental period. This type of agreement allows tenants to rent a property while having the opportunity to buy it, providing a pathway to homeownership.

Mississippi Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Key Components of a Rent-to-Own Agreement
When creating a rent-to-own agreement, landlords and tenants negotiate several important terms:
- Lease Terms: The landlord and tenant agree on the rent amount and maintenance responsibilities during the rental period.
- Purchase Option: The agreement includes specific terms regarding the option to buy the property. Key aspects may include:
- The purchase price of the property.
- The percentage of the rent that will be credited toward the final purchase price.
- The time frame in which the tenant must decide whether to purchase the property.
To ensure a smooth process, it is advisable for landlords to utilize a rental application to assess tenant eligibility. Additionally, a real estate purchase agreement should be prepared to outline the conditions of the potential sale.
Legal Citations
Landlords and tenants in Mississippi should be aware of the relevant legal resources that govern their agreements:
- Landlord-Tenant Laws: Title 89, Chapter 7 and Chapter 8
- Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Title 89, Chapter 8
- Land and Conveyances: Title 89, Chapter 1 & Chapter 5, Article 1
These laws provide the framework for landlord-tenant relationships and the execution of purchase agreements in the state.
Statutes
- Miss. Code § 15-1-29 – Limitations applicable to actions on accounts and unwritten contracts
- Miss. Code § 75-2A-506(1) – Statute of limitations
- Miss. Code § 97-19-75(5) – Bad check complaint procedures; restitution procedures
- Miss. Code § 89-7-23 – Notice to terminate tenancy
- Miss. Code § 89-7-27 – Nonresidential evictions; authorized in certain circumstances
- Miss. Code § 89-8-13 – Right to terminate tenancy for breach; notice of breach; return of prepaid rent and security; disposition of tenant’s abandoned personal property
- Miss. Code § 89-8-15 – Repair of defects by tenant
- Miss. Code § 89-8-19 – Length of term of tenancy; notice to terminate tenancy; exception to notice requirement
- Miss. Code § 89-8-19(2) – Length of term of tenancy; notice to terminate tenancy; exception to notice requirement
- Miss. Code § 89-8-19(3) – Length of term of tenancy; notice to terminate tenancy; exception to notice requirement
- Miss. Code § 89-8-21(3) – Tenant’s security deposit
- Miss. Code § 89-8-21(4) – Tenant’s security deposit
- Miss. Code § 89-8-23 – Duties of landlord
- Miss. Code § 89-8-25 – Duties of tenant
- Miss. Code § 89-8-17 – Rights of landlord after expiration of rental agreement
- Miss. Code § 9-11-9 – Civil jurisdiction; pecuniary interest in outcome of action
- Miss. Code § 11-25-1 – In what cases a remedy
FAQs
A Mississippi rent-to-own agreement is a legal document that combines a traditional lease with an option for the tenant to purchase the property at the end of the rental period. It outlines the terms of rent, maintenance responsibilities, and the conditions under which the tenant can buy the property.
Key terms in a Mississippi rent-to-own agreement should include the rent amount, maintenance responsibilities, purchase price, the percentage of rent that applies to the final purchase price, and the timeframe for the tenant to decide on the purchase.
In Mississippi, the rent-to-own process involves the landlord and tenant negotiating a lease with an option to buy. The tenant pays rent, and a portion may be credited towards the purchase price, which is agreed upon in advance, allowing the tenant to decide whether to buy the property at the end of the lease.
The relevant landlord-tenant laws for rent-to-own agreements in Mississippi are found in Title 89, Chapter 7 and Chapter 8, which govern the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in rental situations.
Using a rental application in a rent-to-own agreement is important to ensure tenant eligibility. It helps landlords assess the tenant’s financial stability and suitability for the rental and potential purchase of the property.
A real estate purchase agreement related to a rent-to-own arrangement should outline the conditions of the potential sale, including the purchase price, financing terms, and any contingencies that must be met before the sale can proceed.
Landlords can protect themselves in a rent-to-own agreement by clearly defining all terms in the contract, including maintenance responsibilities, purchase options, and using a rental application to screen tenants. Additionally, having a well-drafted purchase agreement can safeguard their interests.