---
title: "What Is Pet deposit? Landlord and Renter Glossary"
description: "A pet deposit is money collected for possible pet damage. In Maryland it counts toward the security deposit cap of one month's rent."
url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/pet-deposit
publisher: Real Property Management Gold
phone: +1-301-392-2172
assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment
---

Maryland Law

# Pet deposit

A pet deposit is money collected for possible pet damage. In Maryland it counts toward the security deposit cap of one month's rent.

A pet deposit is money a landlord collects to cover damage a pet might cause. Maryland defines a security deposit as any payment of money given to a landlord to protect against nonpayment of rent, damage due to breach of lease, or damage to the home, appliances and furnishings. A pet deposit fits that definition, so it counts toward the cap.

As of October 2026, the cap is 1 month's rent per dwelling unit. A landlord who collects more can owe the tenant up to three times the extra amount plus attorney's fees. Do not add a separate pet deposit on top of a full [security deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/security-deposit). Monthly pet rent is a different kind of charge, not a deposit.

Animals that help a person with a disability follow different rules; see [assistance animal](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/assistance-animal). For ordinary pets, a good screening process and a written pet policy lower the risk. Read about our [pet screening](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/pet-screening) process.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.

[Read nextPet Screening for Your Maryland Rental: Fees, Deposits and Assistance Animals](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/pet-screening)

## Related terms

-   [Security deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/security-deposit)
-   [Assistance animal](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/assistance-animal)
-   [Normal wear and tear](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/normal-wear-and-tear)

## Sources

1.  [Maryland General Assembly: Real Property 8-203, Security deposits](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-203&enactments=false)
2.  [Maryland General Assembly: Real Property 8-203, Security deposits](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-203&enactments=false)

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