Can assisted living legally start charging for a service that was included in the original contract?

Do read the contract carefully. There is probably a clause that gives them a legal out or an ability to change rates.

What DOES the original contract provide? There's probably some loophole that allows this, but the contract should be your first source of information. If it's not addressed, you might have to ask the Administrator for more information on standards.

Yes, i would rather pay that amount than try to keep it done myself. I just feel that they should have given notice that they are going to start charging for something that was included in the monthly fee for over a year, and at the same time, increased the monthly fee an additional $400.

This is a small charge for what laundry can mean to a facility; it is very difficult to make certain residents' laundry is properly marked, and the laundry of course comes in all differing states of "dirtiness". If your contract specifically spells out that laundry is included in the services, with such language as "monthly rental includes three meals with snacks, laundry done, assist with blah blah" you can take in your contract. However, my brother didn't sign a CONTRACT at his facility and it was clear that costs would change according to uncontrollable situations (covid would be example), costs of living (food costs would be example.) It was further stated that a raise yearly on anniversary could be expected of 3% to 5% but might be higher due to unforeseen circumstances. Made it clear what the levels of care were, what changes would occur with movement into higher levels of care, and etc. His laundry was included though he preferred to do his own and that was allowed. Basically each ALF is a business model of its very own, and is free to make its own rules and stipulations. We are talking 35.00 here. I would not rock the boat for that. Your Dad has a good point, and I would honor his wishes. I do understand your feelings, and there is no harm in calling admin and asking about this nicely. But I wouldn't do it over your Dad's wishes.

Jayvonne, how does the Contract read? Does it indicate that line items are subject to change during the course of the Lease?

When my Dad had moved into senior living, the facility had for laundry service it was only linen service as part of the monthly rent, meaning the Staff would wash his sheets, pillow cases, and towels. Personal laundry there would be an extra charge.