I'm new to this forum.... I just need to vent a little and get some advice.

Friday, I looked at a new house for rent, and today we signed the lease. On Friday, I spoke to the landlord in what I thought was a very thorough conversation about what the lease would say and whatnot. He specifically told me no dogs/cats. I made sure to ask all questions you generally would when meeting a new landlord. I've never EVER had a problem with a landlord not allowing a pet snake. When we arrived for our meeting, we signed everything, and then the landlord states "no dogs/cats or other animals" just as we finished signing everything. Sure enough, I look at the lease I just signed and that's what it says. I feel so dumb that I did not read it thoroughly enough before signing, but I thought we had a very good and thorough overview before signing. I know this situation is totally my fault for not being more attentive to the lease agreement.

I have a pet snake named Charlie, and he is my world. I do not ever want to get rid of him, but now I may have to. I am very tempted to keep him and hide him - which I don't think would be hard - but I don't want to risk getting my roommates evicted if the landlord somehow finds out about it.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I feel so sad right now.