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Landlords

antiochian

antiochian

New member
As I'm going to be moving soon, I have to admit I'm very nervous about having to tell prospective landlords that I own pet snakes. I'm guessing a large number won't want any part of that, which means housing options will be limited if I'm to keep my animals.

How have others dealt with this? If an apartment complex advertises as "pet friendly," should I assume that my corn snakes (and other small species) will be welcome, too?
 
When I was looking at apartments, I only found one that was like "as long as they are in a secure cage so they don't get out and die in a wall." But it helped that the owner had snakes growing up...

Good luck! I agree that you should say "small caged pets".
 
My landlord hasn't been in this house since 2005. She's not going in a house with a snake, no way.
 
I'm wanting to move and have come across the same problem while searching for places.

It seems like everyone freaks out when I say I have corn snakes, and they generally are okay when I ask "are caged pets all right". But I know snakes fall under the Exotic Pets category (in apartment leases) and I would really hate to be in a position where my "caged pets" are discovered and I either have to get rid of them or move.

I've just been asking about their pet policy, where they invariably mention dogs/cats, then ask about small caged pets, which are always fine. And I ask "so I'd be okay with my gerbil and corn snakes?" That's when the lease terms come out.

I try to ease into it, but I want to be clear on whether I'd be allowed to keep them before I move.
 
Most landlords who don't want pets, don't want the fur, or damage to floors etc. Some tenants don't vacuum regularly so the scent sticks in the carpet. Most landlords are fine with small caged animals though, around here anyway I've found.
 
If they say "pet friendly", they are discriminating if they then tell you snakes aren't allowed.
I agree, put it delicately (like what Nanci suggested), and if they push, don't lie. Be honest. But explain the setup, tell them they are welcome to come have a look anytime, etc.
If you are confident and comfortable, it helps others feel that way as well.
I just never told my landlords about the snakes, because they didn't ask. And pets are "welcome" - but then after I got the snakes I found out they preferred (not law, as that is discrimination in Ontario) no reptiles, rodents, or 'dangerous dogs'.

They have been in my apartment twice and have seen the tanks twice. Not a word. So, I dunno. I always think honesty is best though (if you have to tell them at all)! ;)
 
As a landlord that has been financially screwed by bad pet owners, my advice, be honest.
 
Many don't like Reptiles, I own a 4 unit apartment building in NJ and I don't care but I hate to say it, my first thought is to say don't tell them but then again, honestly is always the best way to go.
 
Definitely "Small aquarium pets." I looked at a place and asked about snakes and they said no problem. When signing the papers upon moving in they said something about pets in the contract and I mentioned snakes. Bait 'n switch; 'n no snakes for a couple of years :(
 
When I was apartment hunting I asked about their pet friendly status and if aquarium pets allowed usually they'll say yes and it stops there. If they inquire what type I'll say reptiles and they say fine.
When maintenance or time for them to visit I just cover my tanks. But now that I have 3 and one large towere type viv I just try to make sure I'm home when they have to come in. No one has ever said a word or asked what's in there. My boys sleep during the day when apt. workers would come in. When I moved in I kept my tanks covered just so neighbors aren't freaked out.
 
I'm lucky I guess, our Complex Manager has always considered "pets" dogs or cats only, limit of 2. Other than idle curiosity and seeing that the two larger snakes, a RTB and a carpet python, are in locked cages and knowing I don't keep venomous it's not an issue. I also stay really low key. The rare times I get the snakes outside for pics are when it's just us. The neighbors know, it's hard to not answer questions at 0700 on a Sunday summer morning when they've come out to throw their trash in the dumpster and there's a large carpet python sunning in the grass...
 
Amanda47 said:
I'm wanting to move and have come across the same problem while searching for places.

It seems like everyone freaks out when I say I have corn snakes, and they generally are okay when I ask "are caged pets all right". But I know snakes fall under the Exotic Pets category (in apartment leases) and I would really hate to be in a position where my "caged pets" are discovered and I either have to get rid of them or move.

I've just been asking about their pet policy, where they invariably mention dogs/cats, then ask about small caged pets, which are always fine. And I ask "so I'd be okay with my gerbil and corn snakes?" That's when the lease terms come out.

I try to ease into it, but I want to be clear on whether I'd be allowed to keep them before I move.
Click to expand...

I have nothing to contribute here but I feel it is very strange that corn snake, which is native to the USA, is considered an exotic species. Dogs and cats are not native to this nation, and by honest definition are exotic species. :shrugs:
 
I was wondering the same thing... I own my condo but still have to deal with annoying home owners' association regulations from time to time. My HOA paperwork didn't mention pets other than cats and dogs, and I didn't have snakes when I moved in. I debated contacting them to ask when I got my first baby but decided that ignorance is bliss. Whenever the HOA manager has to come into my place I just throw laundry over the tanks. They must just think I'm a slob. Haha. So far it's working out just fine for me! ;)
 
Are the snakes in a rack? That would be easy, throw a light blanket over it. I have people walk right by mine and think it is a book shelf with bins. If you have them in an aquarium, then I am not sure.
 
Years ago when I moved into an apartment, there was a no pets policy, I asked for clarification, and found that caged/aquarium pets were ok as long as there were no noise issues.* I did not have snakes at that time.. but there were some plants, fish, and a rescue bird. There were a few times they had to have access to the apartment for work, and nothing was ever said about them..

Honesty is best, I think.... But temper it a bit with the explanation that you don't keep stinky things, and that the cages are secure, and the animals are not aggressive. Perhaps offering to let the landlord meet them ( so you sound like you have nothing to hide)

I think a lot of the concern is venomous animals, or things big enough to eat the neighbor's cat or child. Reassurance that the animals are in secured viv/cages, and not overly large may be enough for many landlords.

When I explain how large a corn can get "Usually 4-5 feet, there have been some reported as long as 6 feet. and they only get <indicates with thumb and forefinger> about this big around." Sometimes I then go into an explanation about how 'If you know someone or someone's kid that wants a snake' that cornsnakes are great beginner snakes, - not exotic that needs a fully heated cage - easy feeding (frozen/thaw is a miracle!) And an amazing range of color/pattern (the domesticated cat of the reptile world!) I want to sound 'mostly harmless'.



* (basically no dogs or cats- because they shred carpet and walls, pee in corners, and otherwise make the place nasty, especially if the owner doesn't bother to pick up after said animal.. (not nice to step out of the building and into a pile of poo)
 
This is a really great thread. I'm about to be running into the same problem myself. I like the idea of calling them "small aquarium pets." I would definitely be honest if pressed about the issue. I think it's a good idea to offer a "meeting" between your snake and the landlord, just to show how innocent and harmless they are. I hope I'm able to find a suitable place that will be okay with my corn snake!
 
This is not meant to put down pythons and boas.. but a lot of people picture them when you say 'pet snake', and they can be BIG snakes. And they are thick and can be very heavy, as anyone who has held one will realize..

It can be helpful to stress that corn snakes do not get that big, or heavy. I would guess that even the largest corn would be under 3 pounds (I have seen places with a small dogs only policy - usually under a certain pound limit) Mentioning the size can make them sound more harmless and inoffensive.

I would avoid mentioning large numbers of snakes. Two or three won't alarm most people, but if you mention a dozen, or that you breed them, then a landlord gets visions of an explosion of snakes everywhere... My suggestion would be to avoid the direct answer (like a politician!)

If it were me, I'd say something like 'Well, I got Pinky and Moe when they were a few months old back in 2008, They were tiny!! <holds hands 12-15 inches apart> And skinny as a pencil. They're all grown up now, though <gestures about 3-4 feet> and about this big <shows with fingers> Pinky is an amel - that's amelanistic, She doesn't have any black pigment but has the other colors so she's all red and orangey and white." And the description would continue, though it's likely the topic would get changed unless the person is really interested.
So you sort of answer without giving a real number. (right now I have 5 corns and a garter)

The most important thing is to be a good owner, so that future snake owners get a chance because you did not sour the landlord with a bad experience... Plus when the repairman reports that your " couple" of snakes has grown into 10, You can say 'Has there been complaints? Has anything awful happened? No? Then how can you say there is a problem?".
 
I appreciate the feedback. I'll definitely use the "small aquarium pets" route. I have other species besides corns, as my signature shows, and everyone knows how most people react to the word "python" or "boa." But that's off the subject of corn snakes, my apologies.

I keep my animals in Rubbermaid tubs, which I've kept stacked in the closet to protect them from noise and the sun. So the chances of anyone seeing them that didn't want to, especially with a blanket thrown over the tubs, was slim.
 
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