I have a buddy that has one with a well and it sounds like the EPA is driving him nuts so I'd kind of like to avoid that. we were able to fix the well issue.. but septic system was old and bad and new rules necessitated 250k to redo the whole system up to modern code..  30 miles out of INdy.

But that does not let me apply modifications.

The cost of any alteration undertaken to comply with any such requirements shall be in addition to the Contract price specified herein.Change Orders, Amendments, and Modifications Any subsequent amendment, modification, or Contract, which alters this Contract, and which is signed or initialed by Contractor and Owner, shall be deemed a part of this Contract and shall be controlling in case of conflict with any other provision in Contract.Extra Work and Changes If Owner, Construction Lender, or any public body or inspector directs any modification or addition to the work covered by this Contract, the charge for that extra work shall be determined in advance and the cost shall be added to the Contract price in addition to Contractor's usual fee for overhead and profit.

That doesn't even factor in the income tax savings for mortgage interest deduction for both state and federal. 2) Rents increase at the whim of your landlord versus a fixed mortgage payment.  3) Appreciation for owner occupied is tax exempt up to 500k in for a married couple.4) I can make smart modifications to the home as I see fit to cater to my family's needs or create value. 

I guess I am one of those "restrictive" landlords who expects tenants to follow the lease, which says no painting or modification without landlord approval.Most people suck at painting, even some DIY landlords are bad painters.

The fed is going to step in and allow mortgage modifications sometime in late 2021.  

-----------------------------------------------Of course it does, which is why the decision to lock down is a political decision informed and necessitated by science (health) considerations.

If this is someone with mobility issues you should try to accommodate since ADA might be applicable but in that case she would be obligated to pay for modification. 

For arguendo, let's assume a clause was never inserted by either party regarding a COA, and the city requests for minor modifications, what could legally happen?

Are there any modifications to the written lease?