united-states contract-law residential-lease vehicle fees
What restrictions/limitations can take place to apartment parking mid-lease?
<p><strong>Backstory:</strong><br>
I had moved into a new apartment back in February, 2015. The building was brand new, but the business running it doesn't seem to be. In the Summer of 2015, a music festival started taking place every Thursday in a park across the street. During these days, nearly all available parking locations (within 3 blocks) are filled. I complained to the manager and asked for alternative parking solutions. I had also noted that there were non-residents parking in the resident-only backlot and even some vehicles parking illegally (in white-lined areas and some in handicap spots without placards).</p>

<p>Nearing the last few weeks of the event, they had sent out an email mentioning that the backlot would now be paid permit-only parking. Although a mere $5/month, it was aggravating since the issue was the lack of places and now anyone who didn’t pay is being even more restricted on parking locations. This seemed like a cash grab. Fast forward to now; I noticed about a week ago that they put up the permit-only posts in front of the apartment now. I hadn’t received an email or any type of lease addendum, so I had got in touch with them asking what was going on. They got back saying that the front stalls are now permit-only parking too and share the same cost as the ones in the back.</p>

<p><strong>Questions:</strong>  </p>

<ul>
<li>Can parking restrictions like this take place at any time, even mid-lease?

<ul>
<li>The first instance being in Fall, 2015, where they started charging $5/month for parking; the contract didn't have the $5/month clause that it did when revised for my February, 2016 renewal.</li>
<li>The second instance being these past few weeks where they've essentially converted available street parking into permit parking when the clause was agreed, and still denotes, that the exterior parking <em>lot</em> was the only permit-based parking.</li>
</ul></li>
<li>Is there any way to fight back since my rental agreement is now slightly diminished due to losing some “features” it once had?</li>
<li>Would my time consulting a tenant lawyer have any hope at this rate or is this possibly a lost cause?</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>The contract in February, 2015, had the following clauses:</strong>  </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>“Indoor parking spaces are available for $40.00 per month. Only one
  indoor parking stall is allowed per apartment.”  </p>
  
  <p>"The resident, their visitors and family family will obey any parking regulations promulgated in the future for the safety, comfort, and convenience of the residents and others using the premises."</p>
  
  <p>"While guests are permitted to use the exterior (Apartment Complex) parking area, Residents are encouraged to become familiar with the City of (My City)'s parking rules and regulations for the benefit of themselves and their guests. The City of (My City)'s parking rules and regulations can be found at (Website)."</p>
</blockquote>

<p><strong>The contract in February, 2016, included this new/updated clause:</strong>  </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>“The exterior parking lot will be for (Apartment Complex)
  residents only. Parking passes for the lot will be sold on a first
  come, first serve basis at a cost of $5.00/month. For on street
  parking, please review the City of (My City)'s parking rules and
  regulations which can be found at (Website).”</p>
</blockquote>

<p><strong>Update:</strong><br>
It's come to my attention that parking across the street next to the park is no longer viable either. Those places are 2 hour parking and are effective at all days/times of days, except holidays. They suggested to look into off-site parking...</p>

<p>Does this claim that there is actually no free parking change anything?</p>

<p>Please let me know if any further details needs to be provided or if there's anything that needs clarification.</p>

<p>Did your original rental agreement say that you could park in the backlot? If it did not (which seems to be the case) then your initial ability to do so was a non-contractural perk for which you have no ongoing right.</p>

<p>What your landlord is <em>required</em> to do is in the lease; if he spontaneously turns up every Saturday afternoon with coffee and donuts then that is a nice gesture but it is not an obligation and you have no cause for complaint if it stops.</p>
