Theft of services bill signed

Earlier this year, Mississippi governor Haley Barbour signed a new law making it a crime not to return rental property at the end of a rental period. Clients will have five days to return overdue rental property after an owner has given them notice.

Under the new law, those with overdue rental property must pay for the extra time. Failing to pay for extra time or necessary repairs, along with failing to return the property within the five-day notice period, will now be considered fraudulent. For property valued at more than $500, the offender could face felony fraud charges.

The law specifies that rental owners can give their notice of overdue equipment either in person, by hand delivery or by registered mail to the address given on the rental agreement.