North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (North Mississippi Legal Aid)
Last updated August 2026
North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, NMRLS, provides free civil legal representation to low-income people in the northern 39 counties of Mississippi. New clients call the NMRLS Call Center at 1-800-898-8731, Monday through Thursday, 9:30 to 3:30. Offices are open to the public weekdays 9 to 5.
Know the eviction rule that moves fast. For nonpayment of rent, Mississippi law lets a landlord give written notice that the rental agreement ends if the rent is not paid within just three days. Act on that notice immediately.
The 30-day notice people expect does not apply to most cases. For a material lease violation other than nonpayment, the landlord must give at least 14 days' written notice specifying the breach, with a chance to cure within a reasonable time up to 14 days. A judge hearing a nonpayment case must follow the terms of your signed rental agreement.
NMRLS runs specialized help beyond general cases. Its projects include an Elder Law Project for people 60 and older, HOME4ALL and Mississippi Foreclosure Prevention housing help, a domestic-violence victims program, an Heirs' Property program, tax assistance, and disaster relief.
Eligibility is income-based. As a federally funded program, income eligibility is generally at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level.
Move fast and use every tool. Call the Call Center the day papers arrive, dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds, and check the statewide legal aid directory at mslegalservices.org if you are unsure which program covers you.
Phone 1-800-898-8731
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income residents of the northern 39 Mississippi counties NMRLS serves, on a civil, noncriminal legal problem; income guidelines apply
- As of January 1, 2026 NMRLS runs its own intake hotline separate from the southern legal aid office, so use the number that matches where you live
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call the NMRLS Call Center at 1-800-898-8731, Monday through Thursday, 9:30 to 3:30.
- 2
If rent is due, act within the three-day window; call 2-1-1 about emergency rent funds.
- 3
For a lease violation other than nonpayment, note the 14-day cure window.
- 4
Ask about the Elder Law, foreclosure-prevention, and domestic-violence projects if they fit.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much time do I get for unpaid rent?
Just three days to pay after written notice. Mississippi does not give a long grace period for nonpayment.
Isn't there a 30-day notice for lease problems?
For a violation other than nonpayment, the landlord must give at least 14 days' notice with a chance to cure, not 30. Nonpayment is the three-day track.
Who does NMRLS serve?
Low-income people in the northern 39 counties of Mississippi, generally at or below 125 percent of poverty. Southern counties are served by Mississippi Center for Legal Services.
What special help does NMRLS offer?
An Elder Law Project, foreclosure prevention, a domestic-violence program, an Heirs' Property program, tax help, and disaster relief.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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