Can my landlord deny my ESA in Maryland?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances: You don't meet disability requirements You refuse to provide valid documentation when legitimately requested The animal poses a direct threat or would cause substantial damage that can't be mitigated Your documentation is fraudulent or inadequate

Can my landlord charge pet rent or a pet deposit for my ESA?

No. Pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits must be waived for ESAs. However, you're still responsible for any actual damage caused by your animal beyond normal wear and tear.

Are there breed or weight limits for ESAs in Maryland housing?

No, there are no blanket restrictions. Breed and weight limits that apply to pets must generally be waived for ESAs, unless the landlord can show specific evidence that your particular animal poses a direct threat. For example, a "no pit bulls" policy by itself is not valid grounds to deny a properly documented ESA.

Do I have to register my ESA with Maryland or get a special ID?

No. There is no official Maryland ESA registry, and federal law doesn't require registration. What matters is a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional with direct knowledge of your condition, not an ID card or certificate.

Does my ESA need special training in Maryland?

No specific task training is required. However, your ESA must: Be under your control Be housebroken Not be aggressive or pose a safety threat Not cause ongoing disturbances that fundamentally alter the housing environment

Can I have more than one ESA in Maryland?

Yes, if each animal is necessary for your disability-related needs. You'll need documentation from a licensed provider explaining the need for multiple animals. Landlords can consider whether multiple ESAs would create undue burden or safety concerns.

Does my clinician need to be licensed in Maryland?

Yes. Your provider must be licensed to practice in the state where you're located when receiving care, and should include their Maryland license details in your letter.

Will airlines accept my ESA in Maryland?

Generally no. Since 2021, ESAs are treated as regular pets under the Air Carrier Access Act. You'll need to pay pet fees and follow standard pet policies. Contact your airline in advance for specific requirements.

Are ESAs allowed in Maryland restaurants and stores?

No. Only service animals have public access rights under Maryland law and the ADA. ESAs don't qualify as service animals and can be excluded from restaurants, grocery stores, and most public places. However, some businesses may be pet-friendly by choice.

Can I bring my ESA to work in Maryland?

Not automatically. Employers aren't required to allow ESAs, though you can request an accommodation. Whether it's granted depends on factors like the animal's behavior, workplace operations, and available alternatives.

What happens if I use fake ESA documentation in Maryland?

While Maryland doesn't have specific criminal penalties for ESA fraud (unlike some states), using fake documentation can result in: Denial of housing accommodation Eviction if fraud is discovered after move-in Liability for any damages Potential civil legal action by the landlord

Maryland ESA Letter: How to Get It and ESA Laws in Maryland

An ESA letter in Maryland provides legal documentation for emotional support animals. A Maryland emotional support animal (ESA) is any animal that delivers therapeutic benefits for individuals with mental or emotional disabilities.

All domesticated pets are candidates for emotional support animals (ESAs). The animals do not perform specific therapeutic tasks but support owners through their presence.

ESAs are distinct from service animals and are protected by the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA obliges landlords to provide reasonable accommodation to ESAs.

ESAs are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), unlike service animals. Maryland emotional support animal laws allow airlines, public places, and employers to decide whether to permit ESAs.

An ESA letter Maryland is the sole document that residents need to validate an animal’s ESA status. Emotional support animal Maryland laws require only the letter, while registration and certification are unnecessary.

What are the Specific Emotional Support Animal Laws in Maryland?

Maryland is one of the states that does NOT have a criminal law penalizing service animal or ESA misrepresentation. While many states have enacted “fake service dog” laws, Maryland relies entirely on federal protections and civil enforcement. Maryland Human Services Code § 7-705 protects service animal access rights and penalizes businesses that deny access, but it does NOT criminalize individuals who misrepresent animals as service animals. For emotional support animals, Maryland follows the federal Fair Housing Act without additional state-specific requirements or penalties. Maryland does not mandate therapeutic relationship timeframes, ESA registration, or impose criminal penalties for ESA fraud in housing.

Maryland ESA Housing Laws

Maryland emotional support animal housing protections come entirely from the federal Fair Housing Act. Maryland has no additional state ESA housing statute, making it one of the simpler states to understand.

Your Rights as a Tenant with an ESA in Maryland:

Under the Fair Housing Act protections that Maryland follows, if you have a disability and need an emotional support animal, you can request an exception to your landlord’s no-pets policy. This means:

Landlords must allow your ESA even in buildings with strict no-pet policies
You cannot be charged pet fees, pet deposits, or monthly pet rent
Breed, size, and weight restrictions don’t apply to ESAs
Your landlord cannot discriminate against you because of your ESA

What Counts as Valid Documentation:

The ONLY valid documentation is an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) in Maryland, such as:

Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Licensed clinical social workers
Licensed professional counselors
Other licensed mental health professionals

What Your Landlord Can (and Can’t) Do:

Your landlord CAN:

Ask for an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional
Verify your ESA letter is legitimate by contacting your provider
Deny your ESA if it poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety
Deny your ESA if it would cause substantial property damage
Hold you financially responsible for any damage your ESA causes

Your landlord CANNOT:

Ask for your medical records or detailed diagnosis
Require ESA registration or certification
Charge you pet fees, deposits, or rent for your ESA
Enforce breed, size, or weight restrictions on your ESA
Retaliate against you for requesting an ESA accommodation

Your Responsibilities as an ESA Owner:

Keep your ESA well-behaved and under control
Clean up after your ESA
You’re liable for any property damage your ESA causes
Ensure your ESA doesn’t disturb other residents or pose safety risks

When Can Your Landlord Legally Deny Your ESA?

A landlord can refuse your ESA only in these situations:

Your ESA poses a direct threat to others’ health or safety
Your ESA would cause substantial property damage that can’t be prevented
Accommodating your ESA would create an undue financial hardship for the landlord
You don’t provide proper documentation when requested

Where to File a Complaint:

If your landlord unlawfully denies your ESA request, contact:

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Maryland does not provide FHA exemptions beyond federal standards (owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, single-family homes sold or rented without brokers).

Maryland ESA Employment Laws

Maryland does not require employers to allow emotional support animals in the workplace. Only service dogs trained to perform specific disability-related tasks receive workplace protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Employers may voluntarily allow ESAs on a case-by-case basis, but they have no legal obligation to do so under Maryland or federal law.

Maryland ESA Laws for Public Places

Emotional support animals have no public access rights in Maryland.

Maryland Human Services Code § 7-705 grants people with disabilities the right to be accompanied by service animals in public places, but ESAs are not service animals and don’t qualify for these protections.

ESAs are NOT allowed in:

Restaurants and food establishments
Retail stores and shopping malls
Hotels (unless they’re pet-friendly)
Public transportation (except as regular pets under pet policies)
Government buildings
Healthcare facilities

Important Note About Maryland’s Law:

Maryland law (Human Services Code § 7-705) penalizes businesses that wrongfully DENY service animals: not people who misrepresent animals. Maryland is one of the states that does NOT criminalize service animal fraud.

Maryland ESA Travel Laws

Since 2021, airlines no longer recognize ESAs as service animals for air travel.

Maryland residents traveling through Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and other airports must follow individual airline pet policies. Your ESA will be treated as a regular pet, meaning:

You’ll pay pet fees (typically $95-$125 each way)
Your ESA must fit in an airline-approved carrier under the seat
Size and breed restrictions apply
You must follow all standard pet travel rules

Only psychiatric service dogs trained to perform specific tasks retain cabin access protections.

Fraudulent ESA Claims in Maryland

Maryland has NO criminal penalties for ESA misrepresentation in housing.

Maryland does not criminalize ESA fraud the way states like Tennessee (Class B misdemeanor), Indiana (up to $10,000 fine), or California (escalating civil penalties) do.

How Maryland handles ESA fraud:

Maryland relies entirely on the federal Fair Housing Act for ESA enforcement. This means:

What landlords CAN do:

Request proper ESA documentation
Deny requests lacking legitimate documentation
Evict tenants who provide fraudulent ESA letters
Sue for damages if a fraudulent ESA causes property damage
File fair housing discrimination complaints for legitimate denials

What happens if you lie about needing an ESA:

While there’s no Maryland criminal law, you can still face:

Eviction – Your landlord can terminate your lease for fraud
Civil lawsuits – Your landlord can sue for damages and attorney’s fees
Loss of housing – Future landlords may deny your applications
Federal consequences – Potential Fair Housing Act violations
Reputation damage – Harder to rent in the future

Is ESA Registration in Maryland Required?

No, ESA registration in Maryland is not required. The primary condition for receiving an emotional support animal is obtaining an ESA letter. The letter is a legally valid document confirming an animal’s ESA status.

No legitimate national ESA registries or databases exist. The process of emotional support animal registration in Maryland does not hold any legal value. Organizations claiming to provide ESA registration services operate outside state and federal regulations.

Is Getting an ESA Letter Online Legal in Maryland?

Yes, getting an ESA letter online is legal in Maryland. Maryland residents are able to choose between acquiring ESA letters in-person or online. The online method via phone or video call is more convenient and popular.

Certain online ESA services are illegitimate, with fraudulent websites offering fake ESA letters. Always inspect the service provider before applying for an ESA letter. Using fake ESA documents and misrepresenting an ESA is illegal.

Can you have Multiple Emotional Support Animals in Maryland?

Yes, you can have multiple emotional support animals in Maryland. The FHA acknowledges that some people require multiple emotional support animals. Different ESAs address separate disabilities or help with managing particular mental or emotional issues.

Multiple ESAs are allowed in Maryland if the owner has an ESA letter for each animal. State and federal laws do not restrict the number of ESAs per person.

Some landlords place limits on the ESA number. Landlords must give ESAs reasonable accommodation under FHA provisions, but the exact number is not stated outright.

For example, two or three ESAs are deemed reasonable to accommodate, but 20 ESAs incur undue financial and administrative hardship for the landlord, granting them a legal right to deny housing.

How to Get an ESA Letter in Maryland?

Below are indicative steps on how to obtain an ESA letter in Maryland. If a person is already seeing a therapist, they can talk to them about requesting an ESA letter. Physicians and physician assistants can also issue an ESA letter.

Understand the Purpose of an ESA Letter. Before starting the process, it is essential to understand that an ESA letter is legal documentation confirming the need for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to assist with emotional or psychological conditions.
Consult a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP). Only qualified professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists, are allowed to issue a valid Maryland ESA letter. Ensure the professional is authorized to practice in the state.
Schedule a Mental Health Assessment. The LMHP evaluates the individual’s treatment plan to determine if an ESA is necessary. This step is crucial to obtaining a legitimate ESA letter that meets Maryland’s legal requirements.
Receive the ESA Letter. If approved, the LMHP issues a signed and dated ESA letter. This document must include the professional’s license details and confirm the need for an ESA.
Use the ESA Letter for Housing Protections. Present the letter to landlords or providers to ensure compliance with ESA housing laws. A valid letter exempts an individual from pet-related fees or restrictions under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Avoid Fraudulent Services. Be cautious of services offering ESA certification in Maryland or registration, as the law does not require these. The only document needed is a legitimate ESA letter from an LMHP.

CertaPet provides a streamlined process to connect individuals with licensed professionals who issue ESA letters. For those also seeking to understand how to get a service dog in Kansas, consulting with a reputable provider ensures compliance with legal and medical requirements.

What are the Advantages of Getting an ESA Letter in Maryland through CertaPet?

The advantages of getting an ESA letter in Maryland through CertaPet are listed below.

Simple application structure: CertaPet’s process for ESA applications is straightforward. The procedure includes three steps, each carefully explained. Take a pre-screening test to determine if you’re a good candidate to receive an ESA. After the screening, you will fill out an assessment.
Fast professional response: If you qualify as a good ESA candidate, a LMHP will contact the applicant within two business days, ensuring rapid processing.
Valid ESA Documents: CertaPet’s ESA letters are signed by mental health professionals and clinicians licensed in the respective state and abide by local laws.
Lawful ESA Benefits: Get an ESA letter online via CertaPet and enjoy access to rental properties with no-pet policies and exemption from standard pet deposits.

Do ESA Letters in Maryland need to be Renewed Annually?

Yes, ESA letters in Maryland need to be renewed annually. ESA letter renewal is necessary to update the individual’s medical records and ensure ESA rights protection.

Landlords often require up-to-date ESA letters for lease signings, so it is important to have valid documentation.

Contact the medical professional who issued the original ESA letter or obtain a new letter. Online ESA services allow ESA letter renewals through their telehealth platforms up to one month in advance.

How to Avoid Online Scams in ESA Letters in Maryland?

The instructions on how to avoid online scams in ESA letters in Maryland are given below.

Find a Reliable ESA Provider. Investigate an ESA platform to ensure it is legitimate and offers valid ESA documents. The market contains numerous fraudulent online ESA services.
Read the ESA Letter. A valid ESA letter must include the LMHP’s credentials, signature, and contact information. The information is noted on an official letterhead and does not disclose the owner’s diagnosis.
Avoid Fraudulent Offers. Common ESA letter scams show warning signs such as: instant approval promises, no professional consultation requirement, below-market pricing structures, lifetime validity claims, and immediate download options.
Reject Unauthorized Services. Legitimate ESA services never offer free ESA registration, emotional support animal certification programs, ESA identification cards, or required vest purchases.

Ivana Crnec, DVM Veterinarian

Ivana Crnec got her veterinary degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola. She then continued her education at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia, where she specialized in domestic carnivores.

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