Maryland ESA Laws 2026 Explained in Detail

Living in Maryland with an emotional support animal (ESA) comes with specific rights and responsibilities. The state follows federal housing protections while adding its own guidelines for assistance animals. Having a valid ESA letter ensures you can live with your support animal without facing discrimination or unnecessary pet restrictions.

How Maryland Law Protects Emotional Support Animals

If you’re living in Maryland with an emotional support animal, it’s essential to know how both state and federal laws define your rights. Maryland aligns closely with ESA laws in the US, especially in housing, ensuring emotionally challenged individuals receive fair accommodation. However, public access and travel rules differ depending on which law applies.

Key Maryland ESA Laws You Should Know

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main laws that protect emotional support animal owners in Maryland:

Maryland Fair Housing Laws: Under Maryland’s Human Relations Code (§20-705), emotional support animals are recognized as part of a tenant’s disability accommodation. Landlords cannot deny housing or charge pet-related fees if the request is supported by legitimate documentation from a licensed professional.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA applies primarily to service animals trained to perform specific tasks, not ESAs. In Maryland, this means emotional support animals don’t have automatic access to restaurants, stores, or other public places unless permitted by the business owner.
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA): Since 2021, airlines have no longer been required to recognize ESAs as assistance animals. When flying to or from Maryland, ESAs typically travel under regular pet policies. Check with your airline in advance for pet fees, carrier rules, and vaccination requirements.
Public Space Access: In public settings, Maryland follows the same rule; ESA access depends on each venue’s pet policy. Always check with the airline or business in advance to avoid travel or entry issues.

Fair Housing Rights for ESA in Maryland

Under both the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Maryland Human Relations Code (§20-705), emotional support animals are protected as part of reasonable housing accommodations. This means landlords cannot deny or restrict housing simply because a tenant lives with an ESA. Maryland law treats these animals as part of an individual’s mental or emotional wellness plan.

Reasonable Housing Accommodations

Property owners must review and consider accommodation requests supported by a licensed healthcare provider. If you have a valid ESA letter from Maryland that confirms your need for an emotional support animal, the landlord is required to allow it, even in properties with strict “no-pet” rules. This protection applies to apartments, condos, and most types of rented housing across the state.

No Extra Fees or Deposits

Landlords and property managers in Maryland cannot charge pet rent, deposits, or extra fees for ESAs. However, tenants are still responsible for any actual damage the animal causes to property or furnishings during their lease period.

ESA Documentation & Verification

A valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional is usually all that’s needed. Landlords can request verification, but not medical records. Keeping your ESA letter renewal updated each year helps ensure your housing protections stay valid.

When Can a Request Be Denied?

An ESA request may be refused only if:

The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
The ESA causes major property damage.
Allowing the animal would create an unreasonable financial or administrative burden on the housing provider.

Denials must be based on clear evidence, not assumptions about breed, size, or type.

ESA Travel Laws in Maryland

Understanding how ESA travel laws apply in Maryland is essential before you book your next flight. While housing rights are well-protected, travel rules for emotional support animals changed after federal updates.

Know the ESA Travel Laws in Maryland

Air travel with ESAs is regulated under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Since the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2021 revision, airlines are no longer required to recognize emotional support animals as service animals, and ESAs now typically travel under regular pet policies.

Airlines ESA Policy
Each airline sets its own ESA and pet travel policy. Most require pets to travel in carriers, follow specific size limits, and pay a standard pet fee.
Documentation & Health Records
Airlines may request updated vaccination records or a veterinary health certificate to confirm your ESA’s health and fitness for travel.
Advance Notice
Contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure to verify requirements and submit paperwork early.

~Public Access Laws~ for ESAs in Maryland

Public access laws in Maryland clearly separate emotional support animals from service animals. While ESAs offer emotional comfort, their access to public areas is limited under both state and federal law.

No automatic ADA protection for ESAs
Access depends on the business or property policy
Public transportation is not required to allow ESAs
The ESA letter does not grant public entry
Only trained service dogs have full public-access rights

In Maryland, ESAs play an important role in mental health support, but don’t have the same public access privileges as service animals. Always check with the facility beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my emotional support animal in Maryland?

No. Maryland does not require or recognize any official ESA registration or database. The only legitimate proof of your ESA is a valid ESA letter written by a licensed mental health professional. Online “registries” or “ESA ID cards” hold no legal value under state or federal law.

Who enforces ESA housing rights in Maryland?

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is responsible for handling housing discrimination complaints involving emotional support animals under the Maryland Fair Housing Law (§20-705). You can also file complaints federally through HUD.

How does Maryland’s Fair Housing Law differ from the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA)?

Maryland’s law mirrors federal protections but adds stronger enforcement at the state level. Both ensure that housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with a valid ESA letter. However, Maryland emphasizes equal housing opportunity for individuals with disabilities and can impose state-level penalties for violations.

Can landlords in Maryland charge extra fees or deposits for ESAs?

No. Under both federal and Maryland housing laws, landlords cannot charge pet rent, deposits, or additional fees for emotional support animals. Tenants are only responsible for actual damages caused by their ESA.

Does an ESA letter expire in Maryland?

There’s no legal ESA letter expiration date, but many housing providers prefer a renewed ESA letter every 12 months to verify that your animal remains part of your ongoing treatment plan.

Can a Maryland landlord require pet insurance or training for an ESA?

No. Landlords cannot require insurance, training certificates, or special registration for an ESA. They can, however, expect the animal to behave appropriately and not cause property damage or health/safety concerns.

Key Highlights: Maryland ESA Law

Maryland protects emotional support animals under state fair housing laws aligned with the federal FHA.
A valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional is required for housing accommodations.
Landlords cannot charge pet fees or deny housing for verified ESA owners.
Airlines treat ESAs as pets, meaning standard carrier rules and fees apply.

Get Your ESA Letter for Maryland Easily

Obtaining your ESA letter in Maryland is quick, secure, and fully compliant with state and federal laws with RealESALetter.com.

Complete a short online questionnaire to confirm your eligibility.
Get evaluated by a Maryland-licensed mental health professional via telehealth.
Receive your official ESA letter digitally within 24 hours - Request a hard copy if needed
Use your letter to request housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act.

* * In Maine, the health professional must have a minimum 30-day contact with you.

Get Started Now

Visit RealESALetter.com to start your Maryland ESA letter process today.