Can a landlord change a lease agreement? (apartments, renters)

[lifelongmover]

Can a landloard change a lease agreeement or change the usage of the home we are renting? Specifying designated parking, requiring renters insurance, or how the property around the home should be used.

[CrazyDave]

Here is a partial answer
Leases and Rental Agreements New Hampshire - New Hampshire, legal attorney, New Hampshire lawsuit, New Hampshire landlord, New Hampshire tenant, New Hampshire legal advice, New Hampshire Property & Money

In general a written lease is a legally binding document and the specifics are in force until renewal for both parties.

[maxxoccupancy]

I have seen landlords, banks, employers, etc, put people under duress or make assorted threats to get them to sign some new agreement. Depending on the circumstances (make sure that you get witnesses and/or write down the details the same day), courts have thrown out agreements that have made signed under duress, depending on the issues involved.

Fairpoint offered me a one year contract for DSL at $33.99 per month. They recently sent me a letter telling me that they are changing some fee, with approval from the FCC, that may change my rates. Is this something that could end up in court? It depends on whether you're willing to fight or not.

[nhrocky]

Yes, the lease can be changed at the time of renewal, as long as it's not in violation of state laws. Not sure what you mean by the usage, but if it's allowed by town ordinances, they can do it. Plenty of large apartments complexes have assigned parking and have restrictions as to how your yard can be used, i.e. no car repairs, no unregistered vehicles, outbuildings, no clotheslines, etc. I don't think it's unreasonable for a property owner to want their property to look well maintained and if a particular resident has a yard full of junk or clutter that's never picked up, the owner has every right to require them to pick it up and keep it clean, but if you can't even enjoy the outside using lawn furniture or a table that might be over the top.