[stomachmonkey]

Ask the landlord to define "mechanical work". Sounds like right now it means you can't do anything.

I can see it being a clause so a tenant does not run an auto repair business from the place or engage in hobbyist activity that is an eyesore to some and brings down curb appeal/property values.

Maybe you can come to an agreement that standard maintenance, oil changes, tune ups or emergency repairs are allowed. Maybe give it a time limit, any single incident of work can not exceed a specified amount of time or you get x hours per month.