A visually impaired man uses an assistance animal. What can the landlord charge for?

In the context of assistance animals, landlords can charge for repairs to the unit if the assistance animal causes damage to the property. This is consistent with federal laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, which allow landlords to impose costs for damages caused by an assistance animal, just as they would for any other tenant or reasonable circumstance of property use.

Assistance animals are not considered pets under the law, so landlords cannot impose additional fees or deposits typically associated with pet ownership, such as a pet deposit or a higher rental rate. This distinction is essential in understanding the legal provisions surrounding assistance animals, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing without being unfairly burdened by fees that would apply to pets.

Regarding the replacement of carpet due to pet dander, landlords cannot charge for normal wear and tear attributable to the animal, as this falls under the expected conditions of an occupied living space. Hence, the appropriate charge would only relate to actual damage beyond ordinary use.