How do I mess with my asshold landlord without upsetting his old mom

Sold my car and got a bicycle. I live in a 3-flat with a basement in Chicago. Landlord does not live on site, but his elderly mom does. Landlord is not allowing me to store my bike in the basement during inclement weather, but is not providing any logical reason why. I’ve had my bike 2 weeks and being kept outside WITH A COVER is already messing up the chain and bearings because it’s Chicago and rain doesn’t come straight down.

I’ve asked him several times for permission, and he says “I’m so sorry, but simply cannot allow it”, and to put a cover on it (which I did and is not working). But he owns the fucking place. He’s not constrained by anyone. I have lived in other buildings that allow this; it’s not a city ordinance. The basement is completely empty, it’s huge, and there a million places to put it without it being a hazard in any way.

I check on his mom once a week. I was close with my grandmother and the rest of her family is not on site. Just 2 weeks ago, she didn’t respond to me knocking a few separate times, so I called my landlord to make sure she was ok (she was just out of town). The point is, I care about his mom, and I’m not a dick.

I also take incredible care of the unit. My roommate is filthy, doesn’t take care of his cat, and isn’t proactive about plumbing/electrical issues. I clean up after, take care of the cats food water and litter, and handle all “fixing stuff”.

I want to make this guys life as close to hell as possible without upsetting his elderly mom; she’s not done anything wrong, and she’s just really sweet and old. I don’t know how this fucker came from her loins but he’s also a pro-ICE Latino so it kinda all makes sense.

Does anyone have any ideas? I’m thinking calling in (separately) for repairs on every possible thing i can spot could make him spend time or money, but I know there’s gotta be something more creative.

Thanks!!