The request for a land line is not unreasonable, but there are non-intrusive ways of running them.

Bad foundations that are not fixable, really bad mold and/or water intrusion.

I understand wanting to know about someone you are going to partner with but the level of details you are talking about is pretty intrusive.

I own several slab houses, and have a lot less issues with them than I do with houses which have basements (foundation issues, water intrusion, etc.).  

What would make sense to you in their place, without it coming across as intrusive, rude, etc.?

What he does can be easy considered invasion of privacy to be actionable under the common law tort of “intrusion” or the “right to privacy”.

IR camera may be useful if there has been a recent intrusion event.

When both renters and landlord do not want this intrusive inspection and the attorney for the city threatened landlord with a warrant and thousands of dollars of fines: something is wrong.

Water intrusion is your biggest enemy. 

One cannot make a reasonable accommodation request to waive rules that protect the property against damage, protect the neighbors against unwelcome intrusions, or protect visitors from attack or the fear of attack by animals.THERE IS NO WAY AROUND the requirement that you allow someone to have an assistance animal, unless you fall within one of the Fair Housing exceptions!