Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

• Short-term rentals are allowed in Ridgeland, MS only under a Short-Term Rental License issued by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Under the City’s Residential Rental Inspection Code (RRIC), occupancy must be for a period greater than thirty (30) days, and any rental for a period less than three (3) months requires a Short-Term Rental License.
• Exception: A month-to-month lease is allowed if it follows a lease that exceeded the Short-Term Residential Rental Limitation, provided the occupant is the same person(s) listed on the original lease and registration previously filed with the City of Ridgeland.
• All residential rentals (long-term and short-term) are subject to Ridgeland’s licensing, inspection, and compliance framework; there is no parallel, separate licensing regime for “short-term rentals” outside the RRIC/Zoning framework.

What This Means for Investors

• You can operate a STR in Ridgeland provided the term is 30–89 days, you obtain a Short-Term Rental License for each 30–89 day occupancy, and you comply with all RRIC requirements (inspections, fees, bond, utility rules, penalties, etc.).
• Terms under 30 days are prohibited (i.e., nightly/weekly STRs are not allowed in Ridgeland).
• Operate in full compliance with the zoning of your property, inspections prior to re-occupancy, bonding, and City utilities protocols.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ridgeland

1. Confirm Zoning Compliance

• Confirm your property is in a district where residential rental use is allowed.
• Apartments are defined as rentals of three (3) months or more; rentals under three (3) months require a Short-Term Rental License per the RRIC and Zoning Ordinance.

2. Secure a Short-Term Rental License (RRIC Section 112)

• Obtain a Short-Term Rental License for any rental period less than three (3) months.
• If occupants change between 30–89 day stays, a new license is required each time, prior to re-occupancy.
• License duration:
  • Initial Rental License: valid from issuance through December 31 of the initial license year.
  • Annual Rental License: valid from January 1 through December 31 of each year.

3. Post-License, Manage Inspections (RRIC Section 113)

• Vacated units must pass inspection prior to re-occupancy; pay a $50 inspection fee in advance of each inspection.
• The City will make every effort to perform inspections within 2 working days; third-party occupied inspections will take approximately 5 working days.

4. Bond and Financial Assurance (RRIC Section 114)

• Single-family, two-family, townhome, or other residential rental property: Provide a $15,000 Bond per dwelling unit.
• Multi-family/apartment: Provide an Original Bond calculated at $1,000 per dwelling unit, not to exceed $50,000 total.
• Bonds must be maintained current and on file with the City; they secure payment of costs/penalties for violations.

5. Utility and Occupancy Protocols (RRIC Section 115)

• Water and Electrical Service must remain in the tenant’s or tenants’ names for the entire occupancy period.
• Utilities must be placed in the owner/owner’s agent’s name when the unit is vacant.
• No inspection or re-inspection can be performed without active water and electrical service.

6. Representational Requirements (RRIC Section 114.7)

• Non-local owners (outside Madison, Hinds, or Rankin Counties) must designate an Operator within those counties to receive notices, service of process, and authorize inspections.

7. Ongoing Compliance and Renewals

• Maintain accurate registration information; update within 30 days of changes.
• File for annual renewal within 30 days before expiration.
• Enforce RRIC requirements for occupants, maintenance, utilities, and re-inspections.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short-Term Rental License (required for rentals under 3 months)
• Rental Inspection Approval prior to re-occupancy (including $50 inspection fee; additional fees for third-party inspections if occupied)
• Financial Assurance/Bond:
  • $15,000 per unit for single-family/two-family/townhome/other residential (excluding multi-family)
  • Multi-family/apartment: $1,000 per unit (cap: $50,000)
• Registration/Application Package (per RRIC 112.2.1):
  • Street address of each rental unit (one application per unit for single-family/two-family/townhome; one per complex for multi-family under single ownership)
  • Owner information: name, physical and mailing addresses, phone, email
  • Operator/Owner’s Agent/Management Company information (if applicable)
  • Authorized occupants list or rent roll for multi-family
  • Proof of surety/bond
  • $50 Application Fee
  • Maintenance of current information on file
• Compliance with the RRIC and Ridgeland Zoning Ordinance (including incorporated Property Maintenance Code sections)
• Utilities activation and compliance with RRIC Section 115
• Reproduction of the RRIC Summary Checklist for inspections (contact Community Development for full-size version)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Ridgeland

• Minimum Occupancy: Any occupancy must be for a period greater than thirty (30) days (RRIC).
• Short-Term Rental License: Required for any rental under three (3) months; must be obtained from the Mayor and Board of Aldermen; a new license is required for each occupant change prior to re-occupancy.
• Inspections:
  • Mandatory before re-occupancy for all vacated units.
  • Inspections require active water and electrical service.
  • $50 inspection fee per inspection; re-inspection fees apply.
  • Occupied inspections by third party are available for unavoidable cases at $650 per inspection; re-inspection $450. If a property is reported in poor condition, the City may order vacatur until violations are corrected.
• Bond/Financial Assurance:
  • $15,000 per unit (non-multi-family); multi-family: $1,000 per unit (max $50,000).
• Zoning:
  • Apartments defined as rentals of three (3) months or more; rentals under three (3) months require a Short-Term Rental License.
  • Ensure STR use is permitted in your zoning district and comply with dimensional/use standards.
• Utility Requirements:
  • Utilities remain in tenant names during occupancy; owner/agent name when vacant.
  • Transfer of service may be delayed until compliance is achieved.
  • Owner is responsible for past-due water bills before transfer to another occupant or back to owner/agent.
• Penalties and Enforcement (RRIC Section 106):
  • Up to $1,000 per violation per day and/or up to 90 days imprisonment; strict-liability enforcement.
  • Liens may be assessed against property if the surety bond is insufficient; 8% interest accrual from date of payment by City; second only to tax liens.
  • The City may remedy violations and assess documented cleanup/repair costs; orders may be enrolled in the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s office.
• Appeals:
  • Appeals go to the Board of Aldermen (application filed within 10 days of the order/decision); further appeal to Circuit Court under MS Code §11-51-75.
• Other Codes/Referenced Standards:
  • Repairs, additions, alterations, or changes of occupancy must also comply with City-adopted codes (Zoning Ordinance; Property Maintenance Code; International Residential Building Code; International Building Code; International Fuel Gas Code; International Mechanical Code; National Electrical Code). In case of conflict, the most restrictive requirement governs.

County and State Context

• Madison County: No STR-specific rules identified in the provided documents. All requirements referenced are city-level.
• State of Mississippi: No state-level short-term rental-specific license or registration identified in the provided documents. City-level rules and penalties are grounded in Mississippi Code statutes referenced in the RRIC (§21-13-1; §21-17-5; §21-23-7; §11-51-75).

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Fines: Up to $1,000 per violation per day; separate offenses accrue daily.
• Imprisonment: Up to 90 days per violation.
• Liens: Costs/penalties may be assessed against the property with 8% interest; City may pursue foreclosure.
• Utilities: Water service may be disconnected or refused for non-compliance.
• Vacatur: The City may order vacatur of occupied units for failure to correct violations or for unsafe conditions as reported by a third-party inspector.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• City of Ridgeland
• Community Development Division
• Address: 100 West School Street, Ridgeland, MS 39157
• Phone: (601) 856-3877
• Website: www.ridgelandms.org

Key Dates and Timing Notes

• License Duration:
  • Initial Rental License: valid through December 31 of the initial license year.
  • Annual License: January 1 to December 31 each year.
• Renewals: Apply within 30 days before expiration; owner is responsible to file timely renewals.
• Updates: Register changes within 30 days of any change in owner/operator/occupancy information.
• Inspections: Typically within 2 working days; third-party occupied inspections within 5 working days.

Source Links

• Residential Rental Inspection Code of the City of Ridgeland (2022): www.ridgelandms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2022-Residential-Rental-Inspection-Code-FINAL.pdf
• Official Ridgeland Zoning Ordinance (2014): www.ridgelandms.org/wp-content/uploads/Official-Ridgeland-Zoning-Ordinance-02-04-14.pdf

Operational Takeaways

• Short-term rentals in Ridgeland are permitted only within a 30–89 day window, under a Short-Term Rental License.
• Bond, inspections, and utility rules are strict, and penalties are significant. Budget for bond costs, inspection fees, and third-party inspection contingencies.
• Non-local owners must appoint a local operator/manager within Madison, Hinds, or Rankin County.
• Confirm zoning suitability before acquisition and keep registration information current.