Mississippi Cities Regulated Short-Term Rentals
Local governments across Mississippi are implementing new registration rules and caps to manage rental market growth.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Apartments
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Mississippi municipalities like Columbus, Starkville, and Hattiesburg have introduced ordinances to govern short-term rentals. These measures aim to address concerns regarding housing availability and rising costs as rental inventories expand.
Why it matters
Local officials are enacting these policies to curb housing overdevelopment and mitigate the impact of short-term rental growth on long-term residential affordability. This shift reflects a move to balance neighborhood character with property-owner revenue.
Ocean Springs has maintained a 115-property cap for over a decade, while Hattiesburg recently implemented a 2.5% residential cap. Columbus now requires a $50 annual permit, and Starkville has mandated property registration.
The players
Ocean Springs
A Mississippi municipality that pioneered a 115-property cap on short-term rentals over a decade ago.
Hattiesburg
A Mississippi city that established a 2.5% cap on total residential properties allowed for short-term rental use.
Columbus
A Mississippi municipality that mandated a $50 annual permit fee for short-term rental operators.
Starkville
A Mississippi city that recently approved a mandatory registration ordinance for short-term rental properties.
The details
Cities use registration systems and caps to track inventory and limit the concentration of transient housing. Property owners in jurisdictions like Columbus must now apply for permits and fulfill annual renewal requirements. These measures seek to slow the conversion of long-term housing into short-term inventory by setting specific percentage limits or hard numerical ceilings on active listings.
Timeline
2021: National short-term rental availability started at 1.1 million.
March 2025: Hattiesburg implemented a 2.5% property cap.
October 2025: Columbus implemented a rental ordinance.
July 2026: Starkville approved a rental registration ordinance.
2027: Projected national rental availability hits 1.85 million.
The Home Front
These local ordinances follow a broader national trend where rental availability grew from 1.1 million to 1.65 million units between 2021 and 2024. The legislative activity suggests a move toward standardizing short-term rental oversight to manage inventory growth.
If you operate or are considering a short-term rental property, verify your local city ordinances regarding registration and annual permit fees. Review your property zoning and check with your city clerk for the latest caps on rental licenses in your area.
The takeaway
As Mississippi municipalities increase oversight, property owners should prioritize compliance with new permit and registration deadlines. Tracking local caps is essential for those managing units in high-density markets like Oktibbeha or Lowndes County.
Further reading
For more information on market trends, visit Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commercial Dispatch.
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