Maryland ESA laws
Maryland hasn't adopted an ESA-specific statute, so emotional support animal requests in rentals follow the federal Fair Housing Act and Maryland's own ban on disability discrimination in housing. If your landlord asks, you can hand over documentation from a licensed provider who knows your condition and can explain the need. The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights is the state agency for housing complaints.
- Maryland law does not set a waiting period or a required provider type for ESA documentation; federal HUD guidance shapes what a landlord may request.
- Maryland's service animal housing protections in Human Services 7-704 apply to trained service animals, not emotional support animals.
- If a reasonable request is ignored or refused, you can start a complaint inquiry with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.
- An approved emotional support animal still has to follow ordinary lease rules, and you remain responsible for damage it causes.
Your Maryland ESA letter, step by step
Book a time
Pick a phone or video slot online and answer a short questionnaire about how you are feeling and the animal you live with in Maryland.
Talk with a licensed clinician
A licensed clinician spends about 5–10 minutes with you and decides whether an emotional support animal is part of your care.
Get your signed letter
If the clinician approves, your letter is emailed to you as a PDF with their license details. If not, you are not charged.
Share it with your housing provider
Send the letter with a short reasonable accommodation request. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
Maryland ESA letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESA letter | Up to 2 animals | $129 |
| ESA letter | 3 or more animals | $199 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved.
What an ESA letter covers
Rentals and other housing
A letter supports a reasonable accommodation request, so a housing provider considers an exception to no-pet rules or pet fees for your animal.
Not flights or stores
Airlines treat emotional support animals as pets, and stores or restaurants do not have to admit them. Only trained service dogs have those rights.
Any common species
Dogs and cats are most common, but the letter is about your need for the animal, not its breed or training.
Reasonable limits apply
A provider can still refuse an animal that poses a direct threat or causes serious damage.
What to do if a landlord in Maryland denies your ESA
Ask the housing provider to put the refusal and its reason in writing. You can then contact the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or file a complaint with HUD. Many renters settle the issue at this stage simply by asking for a written decision.
Have a dog trained to do specific tasks for a psychiatric condition? See the Maryland psychiatric service dog letter.