Cal. Civ. Code § 11-25-21
Rent recoverable.
Operative Text
The plaintiff may, on the trial, claim and establish by evidence, any amount due for arrears of rent of the land of which possession is sought, or a reasonable compensation for the use and occupation thereof; and the justice court judge shall find, upon the evidence, the arrears of rent or reasonable compensation, and may give judgment against the defendant in the action for such arrears of rent or reasonable compensation, and award a writ of fieri facias thereon. History Codes, Hutchinson’s 1848, ch. 56, art. 16(1); 1857, ch. 42, art. 13; 1871, § 1590; 1880, § 2653; 1892, § 4470; 1906, § 5049; Hemingway’s 1917, § 3321; 1930, § 3466; 1942, § 1043; Laws, 1982, ch. 423, § 22.
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 11-25-21, when a landlord brings an eviction or possession action in justice court, the court is authorized to address not just the question of who has the right to possess the property, but also any unpaid rent or fair compensation for the tenant's use and occupation of the land. The justice court judge evaluates the evidence presented and can enter a monetary judgment for the amount of rent in arrears or a reasonable-use equivalent. If such a judgment is entered, the court may also issue a writ of fieri facias, which is a legal mechanism to enforce collection of the judgment.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers pursuing a possession action in Mississippi justice court should be aware that § 11-25-21 allows them to simultaneously seek recovery of unpaid rent or reasonable-use compensation in the same proceeding. Compliant operators typically gather and present documentation of the rental agreement, payment history, and any outstanding balances as evidence at trial. A successful claim can result in both a possession order and a monetary judgment enforceable through a writ of fieri facias, consolidating two remedies into one court action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 11-25-21, a tenant facing a justice court possession action should understand that the landlord may also be seeking a monetary judgment for back rent or use-and-occupation compensation in the same case. Tenants generally have the opportunity to present their own evidence at trial — such as proof of payments made or disputes about the amount claimed — which the judge is required to weigh before entering any judgment. Tenant-rights organizations in Mississippi can help individuals understand what evidence may be relevant and what procedural options are available in justice court proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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