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ESA Letter Maryland

Maryland ESA Laws: A Complete 2026 Guide (Housing, Travel & Workplace)

Ivana Crnec, DVMWritten by: Ivana Crnec, DVM - Updated:Feb 04, 2026
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If you rely on an emotional support animal (ESA) in Maryland, you’re entitled to housing protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). While Maryland doesn’t have state-specific ESA legislation, federal laws provide clear rights for housing accommodations. However, ESAs in Maryland don’t have automatic access to public places, workplaces, or free air travel, as they’re treated differently from service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This guide breaks down Maryland emotional support animal laws and guides you on how to obtain a legit ESA letter in the state of Maryland, so you know exactly what’s allowed, what’s risky, and how to secure your rights the legitimate way.

Important Note: While Maryland doesn’t currently have specific criminal penalties for misrepresenting ESAs, as some states do, landlords can deny fraudulent ESA requests and may pursue legal action for housing fraud. Always obtain legitimate documentation from a licensed mental health professional.

Key Takeaways for Maryland ESA Owners

Strong housing protections through the Fair Housing Act, which means that landlords must accommodate legitimate ESAs in Maryland

No pet fees or deposits for properly documented Maryland ESAs in housing

Breed and size restrictions don’t apply to ESAs in Maryland when they present compliant documentation

No public access rights: ESAs in Maryland can’t go to restaurants, stores, or most public places

No free air travel: airlines treat ESAs in Maryland as regular pets since 2021

Workplace access is not guaranteed, employers have discretion

Legitimate documentation is essential: get your ESA letter from a licensed Maryland mental health professional

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What is a Maryland Emotional Support Animal?

In Maryland, emotional support animals are regulated under federal law rather than state-specific legislation. A Maryland emotional support animal is any domesticated animal that provides therapeutic emotional support to individuals with mental health or emotional disabilities simply through their presence and companionship.

This means:

  • Your ESA in Maryland is treated as an “assistance animal” for housing purposes under the Fair Housing Act, not as a “pet”
  • It does not automatically become a “service animal” with full public access rights
  • Under federal ADA rules, service animals are dogs (or sometimes miniature horses) trained to perform specific tasks for disabilities; emotional support alone doesn’t qualify

ESA vs. Service Dog in Maryland (Quick Comparison)

FeatureEmotional Support AnimalService Dog
Main RoleComfort and emotional supportSpecific trained tasks for disability
Training RequiredNo special training requiredYes, individually trained for specific tasks
Key Protection in MDHousing (FHA)Housing, public access, employment (ADA)
Public PlacesGenerally treated as a petMust be allowed under ADA
AirlinesTreated as a pet (fees apply)Must be allowed as service animal
Housing Pet FeesNo pet fees for valid ESAsNo fees

How to Get a Legitimate Maryland ESA Letter (Step-by-Step)

Listed below are the legal steps to obtain a compliant ESA letter in Maryland/

Step 1: Work With a Maryland-Licensed Mental Health Professional

Your ESA letter must come from a licensed healthcare provider who is authorized to practice in Maryland. This includes:

  • Licensed psychologists
  • Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed professional counselors (LPC)
  • Psychiatrists
  • Licensed therapists

The provider should have direct knowledge of your condition and treatment needs. While telehealth consultations are legal and acceptable, they must involve a real clinical evaluation, not just a 60-second quiz or automated form. These latter documents are scams and don’t hold any legal value.

Step 2: Complete a Clinical Evaluation

Your mental health professional must:

  • Evaluate your mental or emotional disability
  • Determine that an ESA is clinically appropriate for your condition
  • Understand how the animal helps alleviate your symptoms
  • Establish that the ESA is necessary for you to use and enjoy your dwelling

There’s no such thing as a legitimate “quiz-only” ESA letter. Real evaluations involve discussion of your history, symptoms, and how the animal supports your wellbeing.

Step 3: Get a Compliant ESA Letter

A legitimate Maryland ESA letter should:

  • Be written on professional letterhead
  • Have the provider’s full name, license type, license number, and state of licensure (Maryland)
  • State that you have a mental or emotional disability (diagnosis details not required)
  • Explanation that the animal is necessary to help with your disability-related symptoms
  • Signature and date
  • Confirmation that the provider has direct knowledge of your condition

Step 4: Avoid Fake Registries, Certifications, and Online Scams

Red flags to watch out for:

  • Sites promising instant letters with no evaluation
  • “Official” ESA registries or certification databases (these don’t exist federally)
  • Providers who never ask about your history or how the animal helps
  • Pre-printed certificates or ID cards sold as if they were government documents
  • Any site suggesting you “just say you’re disabled” to qualify

The truth: ESA registrations, certificates, and vests are not legally required or recognized by the federal government. What matters for housing is a valid letter from a licensed mental health professional with direct knowledge of your condition.

Maryland landlords can request valid documentation and deny tenants who cannot provide legitimate ESA letters.

Understanding Your Maryland ESA Housing Rights

Maryland ESAs are protected in housing by the:

What Landlords, HOAs, and Property Managers Can and Cannot Do

Landlords MUST:

  • Make reasonable accommodations for tenants with legitimate ESA documentation
  • Waive “no pets” policies for ESAs
  • Allow ESAs without charging pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits
  • Consider ESA requests on an individualized basis, not based on breed or size alone

Landlords CAN:

  • Request reliable documentation if your disability or need isn’t obvious (but not your specific diagnosis)
  • Charge for actual damage caused by the ESA beyond normal wear and tear
  • Deny requests in specific circumstances (see below)

When Can a Maryland Landlord Deny My ESA Request?

Housing providers can deny an ESA request if:

  1. The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be reduced through reasonable steps
  2. The animal would cause substantial property damage that can’t be mitigated by reasonable conditions
  3. Allowing the animal would impose an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the housing program
  4. The documentation is fraudulent or inadequate (not from a licensed provider or lacks required elements)

Small landlord exemption: Buildings with four or fewer units where the owner lives in one of the units may be exempt from FHA requirements.

What This Means for You (In Plain English)

YES, your ESA is allowed in Maryland housing with proper documentation, at no additional cost (no pet deposit, no monthly pet rent)
YES, landlords must waive breed and size restrictions for ESAs in Maryland (decisions must be individualized)
NO, landlords cannot use blanket policies to deny ESAs in Maryland housing
EXCEPTION: Dangerous behavior, significant property damage, or fraudulent documentation can still result in denial

If you believe you’ve been wrongly denied, you can file a complaint with the:

Where Can You Take Your ESA in Maryland? (Rules, Risks & Limits)

Public Places (Stores, Restaurants, Hotels)

The reality: ESAs do NOT have the same public access rights as service dogs do under the ADA. Businesses in Maryland may treat ESAs as regular pets.

  • Restaurants and grocery stores: Only service animals are allowed in food service facilities under Maryland law (COMAR 10.15.03)
  • Hotels: May refuse ESAs unless they have pet-friendly policies
  • Stores and shops: Business owners have discretion to allow or deny ESAs
  • Some establishments are pet-friendly by choice, however, it’s always best to check policies first by calling ahead

Air Travel

Current rules: Under the Department of Transportation’s 2020 rule, airlines are no longer required to accept ESAs as service animals.

  • Most major carriers (United, American, Delta, Southwest) now treat ESAs as regular pets
  • ESAs are subject to pet fees (typically $95-$125 each way)
  • Must travel in airline-approved carriers that fit under the seat
  • Some smaller airlines may have different policies—always contact your airline in advance
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State Parks, Beaches, and Public Facilities

Rules vary by location:

  • Maryland State Parks: Generally follow pet policies; check individual park regulations
  • Public beaches: Most have specific pet policies (leash requirements, designated areas, seasonal restrictions)

What This Means for You (In Plain English)

YES, ESAs have strong housing rights in Maryland
NO, ESAs in Maryland don’t get public access like service dogs
Some businesses are pet-friendly by choice and implement policies that will allow your ESA in Maryland to dine with you.

Maryland ESA Rules for the Workplace

The short answer: Maryland ESAs do not have automatic workplace access rights.

Federal Law and ESAs at Work

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must provide “reasonable accommodations” for employees with disabilities. However:

  • The ADA only requires accommodations for service animals, not ESAs
  • ESAs fall into a gray area for workplace accommodations
  • Employers have significant discretion in deciding whether to allow ESAs

Can You Request an ESA at Work?

Yes, you can request it, but your employer can legally deny it. Here’s what might help:

Your request may be stronger if:

  • You have documented mental health disability
  • A licensed mental health professional confirms in writing that the ESA is necessary for you to perform your job duties
  • The animal is well-behaved and won’t disrupt operations
  • Your employer can accommodate the animal without undue hardship

Employers can refuse if:

  • The ESA would create safety concerns
  • The animal disrupts work operations
  • Other reasonable accommodations exist
  • The accommodation causes undue hardship

Best Practices for Workplace ESA Requests

  1. Communicate openly with your employer or HR department
  2. Provide documentation from your mental health provider
  3. Discuss alternatives if an ESA isn’t feasible
  4. Be prepared for rejection: it’s within their legal rights

Maryland ESA Resources for Students and Veterans

University Housing

College and university housing in Maryland is still “housing,” so FHA protections apply.

How it typically works:

  1. Contact your school’s Disability Services office (not housing first)
  2. Provide ESA documentation from a qualified licensed provider
  3. Follow the approval process and any rules (vaccines, behavior standards, designated areas)

Maryland schools with ESA policies:

  • University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC): Requires documented disability, established need, and connection between disability and ESA benefits. Must complete housing contract and provide vaccination records
  • Johns Hopkins University: Students should contact the Student Disability Service Coordinator to request reasonable accommodations.

Important: ESAs are generally NOT allowed in classrooms, dining halls, or other public campus buildings. They only have access to approved residential housing.

Veterans Resources

  • Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA): Operates veterans programs and facilities
  • VA Medical Centers: Follow ADA service animal rules (ESAs don’t have automatic access to clinical facilities; service dogs do)
  • Veterans homes and housing programs: May have specific policies; contact the specific facility for ESA accommodation procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
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.

How long does it take to get a valid ESA letter in Maryland?

Unlike California’s mandatory 30-day waiting period, Maryland doesn’t have a specific timeline requirement. However, legitimate providers need time to conduct a proper evaluation. Instant letters without assessment are red flags for fraud.

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.

Are ESAs allowed in Maryland college dorms?

Generally yes, when properly requested as a housing accommodation through the school’s disability services office. ESAs in campus housing follow FHA principles, but typically aren’t allowed in classrooms and other non-residential buildings.

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

Ready to Get Your Maryland ESA Letter?

Make sure you’re working with a legitimate service that connects you with Maryland-licensed mental health professionals who conduct real evaluations and provide valid documentation.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Maryland ESA laws and federal protections. It is not legal advice. For specific situations, consult with a qualified attorney or disability rights advocate. Laws and regulations may change over time.

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