I'm not a Mississippi lawyer.  For a reliable opinion, you should consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.  One place you can look for a lawyer is our website, http://attorneypages.comI've taken a look at the Mississippi statutes available on the internet.  Section 89-8-21, of the Mississippi Code of 1972, does not appear to have any provision for double damages on a portion of a tenant's security deposit wrongfully withheld.  However, that law requires a landlord to return the security deposit within 45 days after the apartment is turned over to the landlord and the tenant demands the money. Any money withheld for damages has to be described in an itemized written statement.  If the landlord wrongfully withholds any of the deposit, the tenant can sue and get actual damages plus $200.