adamatism

Well, my landlord came by this morning and insisted "You can't work on your car here!" I responded with "This is where I live; where else am I supposed to work on my car?" and he told me I could do it anywhere but here, because of the "look" and the grease and oil. My lease expires at the beginning of August, so I've either got to find somewhere to put it until then or just tell him to *&%$ off. I would've told him that immediately if it were minor work I'm doing, but right now I've got the engine on a hoist right in front of the car. I really couldn't care less if he decides to kick me out or something, 'cause he's always been an a-hole anyway. For now I just pushed the car around the back (I live in a duplex with parking in front and in back) so I can leave it there until I decide what to do. I'm just venting, but what a ****** of a problem. -A

anthrax

Wow that stinks.

Ok so here is waht you do...

Get your hands on all the legislatin governing renters in your area. Make sure you get it for all levels of government. Read it, learn it and make sure you ask questions about anything you are unsure of.

What you are looking for is legal proof that he can or can't make you do that.


Make sure you know your rights. If there is no legal backing for him Tell him to "Go F&*$ his hat".

Thats my advice. I know people here in Ontario that have doe that over pets.

Good luck

anthrax

christaylor

The only way he can legally evict you for working on your car is if it says in your lease you cannot work on your car. If it does, you're pretty much screwed. If it doesn't, tell him where to stick it. If he evicts you, I'm pretty sure its illegal. Theres legislation on it somewhere, so make sure you look that up along with re-reading your lease agreement.

BRealistic

Fortunately for me I lived in an apartment complex that had many rough cars parked. I rebuilt a 360 ford and repainted/ did bodywork on my vehicle there. I even gave out free carwash gift certificates after finally finishing a paint job on my car becuase I had covered everybody's vehicles with dust many many times (power sander).

I hope you can work it out.
I agree with the previous post about finding out what your renter's rights are. Also read your lease carefully. If you are using no more than your alloted parking spaces (by law you are allowed so many), try to reason with the landlord if you can't find a legal standing. Maybe buy a tarp to cover car when you are not working on the car, and agreeing to clean the pavement of oil and other fluids when you are finished.

Metallic_rock

There are only a couple of reasons he could say you can't work on your car there.

1. Local law stating as much (usually just in ritzy neigborhoods)

2. If it's in your lease agreement

3. If you are destroying the property in some way. - Now if he is trying to say you are leaving oil spots on the driveway, get some of that driveway grease remover... walmart has it for cheap.

Otherwise, if he's just being an ***... well, tell him he can suck a nut.

Bass

Car says Landlord has to go.

Seriously though, it's tougher for the landlord to evict than it is for you to break your lease. Get him to put the complaint in writing, then refer to your lease and the local bylaws. BRealistic has the right idea of starting with "pleasant negotiation." But definately know your legal rights in the matter. Good luck. Let us know what has happened.
One thing you may want to consider is getting free legal advice from your nearest faculty of law. They often have this service available to allow the law students to "get their feet wet."

hanman

Most apartments do not allow serious work on cars, i.e. exchanging engines. It is standard "boilerplate" lease agreement language to disallow working on your car. Most landlords don't get too worried if it is minor work, but once you really tear into it, they get pretty surly.

hanman

BTW, I can't really agree with Bass's statement that it is easier to break a lease than to evict someone. At least not in the states. It is very difficult to break a lease, but with documentation it is fairly easy to evict. I am married to a apartment manager, so my source information is good.
On an ironic note, her Vice president did a property tour and read her the riot act because of my two first gens, my harley, and my 65 Ford pickup. He made mention of the last time he was there the transmission was out of one of the first gens. Bad clutch.
Oh well, I guess I better move them.

adamatism

I love it. Hahaha. Maybe next time he comes by I'll tell him that he and the car have decided it's time for him to leave.

Cody

Just learn to work fast.

At my last apartment complex, we weren't allowed to do ANY work on our cars. But, in a matter of about 3 hours, I had our 2000 Accord completely pulled apart doing body work, swapping fenders, priming, painting, etc.....and back together.

If you have to do something like an engine swap there....push your entire car onto a big tarp. Do everything you can to show that you are trying to keep the area clean....and be as quiet as possible.

Some people will blast music while working on their cars here, and thats all it takes to have someone call a landlord to come shut your little operation down.

Since your going to end your lease soon.....talk politely with your landlord if he interrupts your work, and explain that its a simple job, on a small engine, and you'll be done very quickly.

They dont seem to care unless someone is complaining, or you are making a big mess.

specRX7_22

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