Maryland Pet Rent Rules: What Can Landlords Legally Charge?

If you’re renting in Maryland and have—or want to get—a pet, it’s important to understand your legal rights around pet rent and fees. Maryland landlords can set rules and costs for pets, but these rules come with legal limitations to help protect renters.

Can Maryland Landlords Charge Pet Rent?

In Maryland, landlords are allowed to charge “pet rent”—an additional monthly fee for keeping a pet in your rental home. This amount is separate from regular rent and from the security deposit. There is no statewide law that sets a maximum cap for pet rent, so landlords can set the amount, as long as it is clear in your lease agreement.

What About Pet Deposits and Fees?

Pet deposit is an upfront amount (separate from pet rent) that covers potential pet-related damage. Maryland law does not require landlords to allow pets or to accept pet deposits, but if they do, these deposits count toward the statewide maximum security deposit limit.

• Security deposit cap: Total security deposit, including any pet deposit, cannot exceed two months’ rent. (See Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203)
• Non-refundable fees: Landlords cannot make the entire “pet deposit” non-refundable; deposits are refundable unless damage occurs.

Example: If rent is $1,200 per month, the maximum total security deposit is $2,400. If you pay a $300 pet deposit, the other part of your deposit (for other damages) cannot exceed $2,100.

Are There Exceptions for Service or Assistance Animals?

Landlords cannot charge pet rent, pet deposits, or pet fees for service animals (such as guide dogs) or emotional support animals required for a disability under the federal Fair Housing Act. These animals are not legally considered “pets.”

Rules for Charging Pet Rent and Deposits: What Renters Need to Know

• Lease must be clear: The monthly pet rent, deposit, or fees should be listed in your signed lease or a written agreement.
• Deposits are refundable: Pet deposit money must be returned after you move out unless there is damage caused by the pet. The landlord must specify deductions in writing.
• Security deposit maximum applies: Total security deposits (including any for pets) cannot be more than two months’ rent.

When in doubt, always request a copy of your lease outlining all pet charges, and keep written records of all payments.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Maryland Security Deposit Receipt (Suggest Use): While Maryland law doesn’t provide a specific statewide security deposit form, landlords must provide a written receipt for all deposits taken. If you don’t receive one, you can submit a request in writing referencing Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203. Save this receipt as proof in case of disputes.
• Consumer Complaint Form: If you suspect your landlord is violating the law (for example, by charging an excessive deposit), you can file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. The official form and instructions are available at the Maryland Consumer Protection Division. To use it: fill out the online or printable PDF, attach copies of your lease and receipts, and submit as instructed.

How to Dispute Unlawful Pet Fees or Deposits

• Review your lease and Maryland’s security deposit law
• Gather receipts, agreements, and any written communication
• Communicate in writing with your landlord about concerns
• If unresolved, file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division or, for disputes over return of deposit, contact your local district court.

Your main legal reference for these issues is the Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203. For further disputes, the Maryland District Court (handling landlord-tenant matters) is the relevant tribunal: see Maryland District Court Locations.

FAQs About Pet Rent, Deposits & Tenant Rights in Maryland

1. Can my Maryland landlord charge whatever they want for pet rent? No state law limits the amount, so landlords can set pet rent, but charges must be clearly stated in the lease.
2. Is my pet deposit refundable in Maryland? Yes. Unless your pet causes damage beyond normal wear and tear, your pet deposit (part of your total security deposit) must be refunded after moving out.
3. Do service and emotional support animals count as pets under Maryland law? No. By law, landlords cannot charge pet rent or deposits for service or assistance animals required for a disability.
4. Who handles landlord-tenant disputes in Maryland? The Maryland District Court has authority over security deposit and fee disputes.
5. What’s the maximum total deposit I can be charged? All security deposits—including any for pets—cannot be more than two months’ rent.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Landlords can charge monthly pet rent, but must clearly state amounts in the lease.
• All deposits (including pet deposits) are subject to Maryland’s security deposit maximum and must be refundable if there’s no damage.
• Service and support animals are protected—no extra charges allowed—for renters with disabilities.

If you have concerns about what your landlord is charging, always document your communication and refer to Maryland’s landlord-tenant legislation for support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland District Court – Handles security deposit and landlord-tenant disputes.
• Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division – File landlord-tenant complaints.
• People’s Law Library of Maryland: Landlord and Tenant – Easy-to-understand legal information and tools for renters.
• Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203 – The official law covering security deposit rules.
• HUD Assistance Animals Guidance – Federal information about your rights with service and emotional support animals.

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1. Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203, official full text
2. Maryland District Court – Residential landlord-tenant cases: official tribunal website
3. Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division, landlord-tenant complaints: official complaint form
4. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Assistance Animals: official guidance

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