If there is an alternative housing unit available, can a landlord deny a request for an assistance animal?

A landlord's ability to deny a request for an assistance animal in the presence of an alternative housing unit largely depends on the circumstances of the situation. The Fair Housing Act mandates that reasonable accommodations must be made for individuals with disabilities, including the allowance of assistance animals.

While it is true that landlords have certain rights in managing their properties, denying a request for an assistance animal simply because there is an alternative housing unit available does not align with the spirit of the Fair Housing Act, which prioritizes accessibility and accommodating those with disabilities. The law emphasizes the need for reasonable accommodations regardless of the availability of separate housing options.

In this context, the correct understanding is that the landlord cannot deny the request solely based on the existence of an alternative unit. The other choices suggest conditions (such as being "substantially better" or "cheaper") for denying the request that are not grounded in the requirements of the Fair Housing Act, which focuses on the individual's need for the assistance animal rather than the housing options available.