Once that happens, it becomes impossible to predict the outcome, since each case turns on the specific facts and circumstances and the credibility of the parties and witnesses involved.
And don’t be thrown off by what the resident says or when he says it. Whenever a resident raises a disability-related reason for violating the lease or community rules, you should treat it as a reasonable accommodation request.
Pitfall: The ban on charging a fee for granting a requested reasonable accommodation also applies to charging fees or deposits for processing an accommodations request.
Answer: First off, every "reasonable accommodation" case is different, so I strongly recommend that you consult an attorney on your particular case.
As a general matter, HUD has said that landlords must allow emotional support animals if (1) the tenant has a disability, and (2) the tenant documents that an assistance animal is necessary to help alleviate the disability.