Operative Text
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Elderly person” means an individual who is 60 years old or older. (3) “Landlord” means an owner of residential rental property who offers more than 3 dwelling units for rent on 1 parcel of property or at 1 location. (b) This section applies only to Montgomery County. (c) If a tenant is an elderly person, a landlord may not prohibit the tenant from keeping a household pet, unless specifically prohibited in writing at the time occupancy took place. (d) A tenant is liable for any damage done to the premises by the tenant’s pet. (e) A landlord may establish reasonable rules governing the type, size, and number of pets allowed, disposal of pet waste, and aspects of pet conduct and pet control related to protection of the health and safety of other tenants and the property of the landlord.
Under Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. § 8-214, landlords in Montgomery County who rent more than three dwelling units at a single location are generally prohibited from barring elderly tenants (those 60 or older) from keeping household pets, provided the prohibition was not established in writing at the time the tenancy began. Tenants remain financially responsible for any damage their pets cause to the rental premises. Landlords retain the authority to set reasonable rules around pet type, size, number, waste disposal, and conduct as it relates to health, safety, and property protection.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8-214, operators of residential properties with more than three units in Montgomery County should review their lease agreements to ensure that any pet prohibition for elderly tenants was clearly documented in writing before occupancy commenced. Compliant operators typically establish written pet policies that address type, size, number, waste disposal, and conduct standards tied to health and safety — rather than blanket bans applied after move-in. Landlords generally document any pet-related property damage and pursue the tenant for those costs, as the statute places liability for such damage squarely on the tenant.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8-214 gives elderly tenants (age 60 or older) in Montgomery County a specific protection against landlords — those renting more than three units at one location — who attempt to prohibit pets after occupancy has already begun without a written prohibition in place at move-in. Tenants who believe this right is being violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or Montgomery County's housing offices to understand available complaint or enforcement pathways. Keeping records of the original lease and any written communications about pet policies can be useful when raising a potential violation under § 8-214.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.