Who secretly own snakes in their apartment?

I'm sure I'm not the only one that's hiding their snakes.:rolleyes:

I am renting a room in a house, so I'm living with my landlord and one roommate. We don't hang out or talk much. Which is good, so they won't come in my bedroom where I keep my snakes and rat breeding. Before I moved in, they knew about my bird and saltwater aquarium. The landlord agreed to let me keep them in the garage. When I got into ball pythons, I re-homed my bird and aquarium. Seems all of my friends are afraid of snakes so I figured my landlord would be too. So I didn't ask for his permission and kept them a secret. 1 Ball Python became 12 in less than a year........LOL. I even switched out all the tanks to tubs so it won't be noticeable if he happens to walk in my room. And I just started my rat breeding project to make it cheaper to feed so many snakes. Ekkkkk!

I've been hiding my snakes and rats for almost a year! So exhausting. LOL

What is your story? :D

How does he not smell the rats? I hid my snakes too but rats? Thats pushing it, hope you dont get caught.

Indeed, how are you hiding the rat smell?

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

How does he not smell the rats? I hid my snakes too but rats? Thats pushing it, hope you dont get caught.

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I change the bedding every 4-5 days depending on the smell. I also have a air purifier running when I'm at home.

Fortunately, my apartment management allows me to have my snakes. I explained up front that they were small, non venomous animals and they really didn't say much about it.

My apartment complex doesn't care either. It's fine as long as it doesn't get out was all they told me, but they didn't freak too much when I told them one went missing. I just kept them posting and let them know when I found her. :)

My apartment is super animal friendly, they don't care if it lives in a cage, but there is a fee for dogs and cats ($20 for the first pet and $10 for the second, I don't think they charge more after that).

woah! You live in the same building and you are managing to hide it! Thats legendary!

I live in a block of flats which has a no pet policy. Birds are an exception, although you have to get body corporates approval.

Bringing mice and new snakes into the flat is always funny. I have to carefully dash up and down, avoiding other residents. The hard part is bringing in new racks and cages. I once got asked why my new "Book Shelf" has air vents. LOL

my apartment complex doesn't mind the snakes either i just payed my 400$ deposit....ouch but im worry free and ill get it all back as long as my beardie and bp dosent chew on the walls and tear up the carpet haha

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Originally Posted by che

woah! You live in the same building and you are managing to hide it! Thats legendary!

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Hahaha, I know right!!! The landlord's bedroom is right across from mines and my roommate is right next-door. I guess I'm fast like Ninja! hahaha. jk.

Oh yea, about my rats. I have 1 male, 6 females, and approximately 24 pups. As long as I keep their cages clean, there shouldn’t be any smell. They aren’t as bas as breeding mice. I’m HELLA OCD. So if I smell something funky, I would open all my windows, turn on my air purifier, and change the bedding right away. I also have my doors close at all times so any smell would stay within the room.

Before anyone blatantly admits to violating a lease, I would refer to TOS #8.

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Last two times I moved, I have found that once properly informed about BPs(max size, usual temperment, legality according to by-laws, housing and it's security, feeding habits aka dead rodent only for me, etc) all landlord except one had no issues at all. Most were neutral at the prospect once they figured they were harmless and would not damage their property or cause legal problems, it's when you start being less then honest that we end up as a hobby with a less then perfect reputation.

I have one female normal ball python, one male normal ball python, and one cinnamon male on the way and should be getting a juvie female pastel pretty soon. My stepdad still thinks that I only have one snake. Now he says that if he finds out that I have another snake he's gonna bite it's head off. Not that i'm concerned, he's never went into my room and i've hid him for nearly two months. Also i'm pretty sure he would not really do that. Anyway he's convinced that this would not be animal cruelty because it's a snake. This would definitely be animal cruelty right? That's a stupid obvious question and I don't mean to hijack this thread but i'm wondering.

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

Before anyone blatantly admits to violating a lease, I would refer to TOS #8.

Sent from my Motorola ATRIX using Tapatalk.

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Beat me to it.

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Originally Posted by Mft62485

Beat me to it.

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x3

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Originally Posted by evan385

I have one female normal ball python, one male normal ball python, and one cinnamon male on the way and should be getting a juvie female pastel pretty soon. My stepdad still thinks that I only have one snake. Now he says that if he finds out that I have another snake he's gonna bite it's head off. Not that i'm concerned, he's never went into my room and i've hid him for nearly two months. Also i'm pretty sure he would not really do that. Anyway he's convinced that this would not be animal cruelty because it's a snake. This would definitely be animal cruelty right? That's a stupid obvious question and I don't mean to hijack this thread but i'm wondering.

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Yes, that's animal cruelty. It's an animal, and it's cruel. Just because it isn't fluffy doesn't mean it doesn't feel pain or suffer.

My lease allows pets, doesn't specify anything about exotic animals. They know I have one snake. The rack in the bedroom has yet to be discovered. There is a lot of stigma being created right now in the news in Toronto about Ball Pythons escaping in buildings and being found in people's walls. Everyone is terrified so now is probably not a good time to tell them LOL. As far as I see it I am not doing anything wrong. I don't have to ask permission every time I do something. As long as your lease allows pets than there shouldn't be an issue.

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Originally Posted by evan385

I have one female normal ball python, one male normal ball python, and one cinnamon male on the way and should be getting a juvie female pastel pretty soon. My stepdad still thinks that I only have one snake. Now he says that if he finds out that I have another snake he's gonna bite it's head off. Not that i'm concerned, he's never went into my room and i've hid him for nearly two months. Also i'm pretty sure he would not really do that. Anyway he's convinced that this would not be animal cruelty because it's a snake. This would definitely be animal cruelty right? That's a stupid obvious question and I don't mean to hijack this thread but i'm wondering.

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Yes that is animal cruelty.. Its an animal.. LOL

I am a college student and I have my BP in my dorm room. It is hidden in my closet though. I am pretty sneaky about it and I don't usually have people in my room because I run the risk of getting caught.

I live in a duplex and at the time of moving in I had my indoor rabbits and 2 red ear sliders. Didn't have to pay a pet deposit fee and there wasn't any problems since they were considered "caged" animals. When I got my small dog a few months after moving in I did have to pay a pet deposit since he isn't a "caged" animal and he would be free to move about the property. Though I haven't disclosed getting the snakes to the landlord/rentors agency since starting to collect them (about a year after moving in) and there hasen't been a walk-through check up I'll have to see what they say when that happens. I'm ASSuming that snakes are okay since they are a "caged" animal as well, but I would be up front with the landlord/rentors if they asked and certainly wouldn't hide them away in some dark closet/under the bed (lol) for a walk through.

In general I think it's best to be up front about everything (I should have checked beforehand if snakes were allowed here before getting my first but my selfishness stopped me) and when I move somewhere else eventually (if renting) I will definatly be disclosing the snakes (the quantity of them as well) to the landlord.

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

Before anyone blatantly admits to violating a lease, I would refer to TOS #8.

Sent from my Motorola ATRIX using Tapatalk.

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I don't think violating a lease counts criminal activity. It's not recommended and could get you kicked out but I don't think it's illegal.

My apartment is aware that I have some sort of 'caged animal', but doesn't know the specifics. They assume I have a hamster or chinchilla or something.....

I have 3 ferrets, tub of breeder rats, and my bps....(all in my room)

The rats don't really smell until the 6th day after a bedding change. But then again, I only have 1 tub full.

I'm more worried about my apartment finding out about the ferrets than the snakes.... However my roommates know about them. But I don't think it's that big of a deal since it's an animal friendly complex. My roommate has a dog.

Just a few observations from a herp enthusiast / rat breeder and a landlord.

1) Most snakes are harmless and don't damage a property. They would not bother me at all. I have allowed dogs and parrots. Most have worked out well. Some have burned me to the tune of many thousands of dollars.
2) Breeding a rat colony in your room is just plain nasty. Do you have a girlfriend?
3) I would evict you in a minute if I found you were breeding rodents inside a residence. I don't do it here and I OWN my home. You CANNOT get that smell out. Frankly I find it terrifically disrespectful.

yeah my roommate has a unnatural fear of snakes so i keep them a secret but she is cool with my tarantulas ans scorpions lol

at my apartment my manger just said "snakes huh well i guess" no depsit just "dont lose one"lol now he always asks about them when i c him but im not suure he nos about all 9 i have

Well in my case. My parents own my flat. My problem is that most of the residence in my building are old. Like above 65. And I'm really afraid of how they would react if i have to mention anything.

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Originally Posted by womsterr

2) Breeding a rat colony in your room is just plain nasty. Do you have a girlfriend?

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I am the girlfriend? lol ;)
I don't think you were responding to me, but I do have a 1:3 rats in my room.... but they're litter trained and living in pet quality conditions if that makes any difference....

When I applied to rent the lot where I keep my mobile, I told them up front about the snakes.

Funny thing is, they weren't worried about the snakes. They are more concerned with people getting a bunch of dogs and cats and letting them run loose or people letting their dogs bark, or not picking up after their dogs crap.

Something is wrong here. That makes sense.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

I am the girlfriend? lol ;)
I don't think you were responding to me, but I do have a 1:3 rats in my room.... but they're litter trained and living in pet quality conditions if that makes any difference....

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Hehehe. I think that person was responding to me. ;) I have 1:6 rats in 4 rat cages also in pet quality conditions. I don't think that's a lot compared to others. They are breeders, but I treat them as pets. My room doesn't smell if I change their bedding regularly.

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Originally Posted by womsterr

2) Breeding a rat colony in your room is just plain nasty. Do you have a girlfriend?

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To answer your question...I don't have a girlfriend, but I have a boyfriend who can careless of what I have in my room. Thanks for your concern. :D

As to whether or not this thread is a violation of terms of service #8 is going to be under staff review.

If they find out it would be legal for them to have you evicted. I would try and discuss it with them, it is horrible to lie. I do not have problems with snakes, but when your not under your own roof you have to follow the rules. I would say that one or two snakes would be ok, but not the rats.

When I applied to my apartment complex I was asked if I had any pets.

I said "I have a lizard and a frog, does that count?"

They said "No, we are concerned more with cats and dogs, something that can damage the property"

With regards to TOS line #8:

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8. No posts may be made that encourage or endorse criminal activity, either explicit or implied.

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Violating your lease is nothing more than breaking a contract, and breaking a contract is not against the law. It may land you in civil trouble, but you won't be arrested or fined by the city/state/feds.

Do I think such violations are wise? No.

I would suggest to everyone who hides animals from their landlords, that they have a very strong contingency plan for either re-homing the animals or dealing with an eviction.

I can't tell you how many stories I've heard and read in which a person got caught with the animals and found themselves facing that horrible choice. Best to plan ahead. :cool:

It's "secret" because I haven't told anyone.. but it's allowed, so it doesn't matter. Uncaged animals are the only ones that need permission.

I have to say, even though I own snakes, I would not be happy if I were a landlord and my tenant was hiding snakes in my house, especially a house that I was also living in! Most people are very afraid of snakes, and living in a house with snakes is not something most nonherp people would be ok with. I have people that won't even come in my house because of the snakes and they are downstairs in their own room! People are seriously afraid of these animals.

As far as keeping them secret, that's how a lot of good animals end up in shelters or craigslist. I would definitely have a plan for where they will go if/when you get caught. And this goes for anyone hiding an animal from a landlord, not just the OP. Oh and also make sure you have somewhere to go! I won't pretend that I didn't do it myself, I had a hermit crab in my 'dorm', lol, jk, I did, but I also had a water dragon that ended up at my parents house until I moved.

I do (NO PETS,NO EXCEPTION kind of place, and the owner is an ogre (personality wise)), but I'm moving away this week, so who cares... LOL






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They're in cages and don't roam free, as far as my apartment complex is concerned they don't give a crap as long as I pay my rent on time.

Hiding 3 atm. 0.1 Normal, 0.1 Spider, and 1.0 Pastel.. Being a small collection, I just buy rats at a local pet shop for now, and hide them in a bag while i go from my car up the steps to my apartment =)

They don't ever come in my place unless there is a problem, and I keep them covered when I leave. I do have a backup plan just in case though.. haha

My complex allows pets, but specifically no reptiles rule. It would still be a $500 pet deposit and an extra $50 dollars a month on my rent. So even if they did allow them, I wouldn't tell em. I pay my rent on time every month, and have zero complaints. I think the maintenance guy and the office manager know about them ( they are married ), but don't care because I am a good tenant. They aren't the owners, so as long as I stay in good graces I should be alright =)

I will move out before they end up on craigslist, this I promise you.. =)

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Originally Posted by RichL

Hiding 3 atm. 0.1 Normal, 0.1 Spider, and 1.0 Pastel.. Being a small collection, I just buy rats at a local pet shop for now, and hide them in a bag while i go from my car up the steps to my apartment =)

They don't ever come in my place unless there is a problem, and I keep them covered when I leave. I do have a backup plan just in case though.. haha

My complex allows pets, but specifically no reptiles rule. It would still be a $500 pet deposit and an extra $50 dollars a month on my rent. So even if they did allow them, I wouldn't tell em. I pay my rent on time every month, and have zero complaints. I think the maintenance guy and the office manager know about them ( they are married ), but don't care because I am a good tenant. They aren't the owners, so as long as I stay in good graces I should be alright =)

I will move out before they end up on craigslist, this I promise you.. =)

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Right on! My landlord and roommate knew I had pets before I moved in. They just didn't know I switched to keeping lizards. lol I've been living here for almost 2 years and pay my rent on time. I also clean the entire house and take out the trash weekly. I will move out if they want me to get rid of my snakes. LOL. They can do the chores themselves. :D

My boss allows me to have pets at work. He even asks if I could keep one at work. Which I did! I have my Hognose in my office.

So if I get evicted, I will bring my snakes to work and keep it there until I find a suitable apartment. =)

It is one thing to hide harmless ball pythons from a landlord... No big deal.

Breeding rats on the other hand is a totally different story. Rats stink. I don't care if you clean their tubs every day, they stink. You will damage the property you are leasing if you are doing this. When I say damage I am referring to the stink... and what causes the stink sinking into the rugs and walls.... Not to mention that you will sooner or later have escapees... They can cause BIG TIME damage to the home.

Get the landlords permission or move out to somewhere that permits it. That simple.

And I agree, breeding rats in the bedroom is discusting. A tank of one or two rats as pets is an exeption. Multiple tubs / containers of breeding rats is nasty. You might as well put your kitty litter pan on your nightstand next to the bed. :grabbed:

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Originally Posted by RichL

I will move out before they end up on craigslist, this I promise you.. =)

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I had an apartment in college that allowed animals. They sold the apartments and the new owners had us come in to resign updated contracts. They wanted everyone with animals to pay and extra $100 a month (per animal) or get rid of the animals. Their thoughts were that all the tenants were just kids so we'd all just get rid of the animals. Not true. We all (those with pets) packed up and moved. Plus they couldn't penalize us for braking the lease because of the situation.

I don't think its a good idea to sneak animals in where they are not allowed. The animals should come first. That being said- I know some land lords who state 'no animals' but don't care if their tenants do have them.

Alright, You guys have a point. I'm going to get rid of my rats. But the ball pythons are staying for sure. Please, no more ranting about the rats. >_<