Covington County, Mississippi: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Covington County Justice Court in Collins. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $3,500. Mississippi return time: 45 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $623. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Covington County Justice Court |
|---|---|
| City | Collins |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $3,500 (Justice Court statewide (Miss. Code § 9-11-9; official courts.ms.gov still lists $3,500) only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 3 years |
| Deposit statute | Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21 |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $3,500 (Justice Court statewide (Miss. Code § 9-11-9; official courts.ms.gov still lists $3,500) only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 45 days | after the termination of the tenancy, the delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant |
Mississippi return rule: 45 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Covington County Justice Court. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Covington County.
- The Mississippi business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Mississippi Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Covington County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $712 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
| 2 | $623 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
| 3 | $644 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Covington County compare with other Mississippi counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $623: rank 69 of 85 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 24% of households rent in Covington County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Chickasaw County | $627 |
| Tishomingo County | $627 |
| Covington County | $623 |
| Claiborne County | $614 |
| Copiah County | $587 |
| Quitman County | $579 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 85 of 87 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Covington County
- Collins
- Mount Olive
- Seminary
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Mississippi Center for Legal Services: free civil legal help for eligible low-income people in 43 southern and central Mississippi counties
- North Mississippi Rural Legal Services: free civil representation for low-income people in the northern 39 counties of Mississippi
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Covington County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Covington County?
Covington County Justice Court is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.