Having a hard time finding an apartment that will allow my snake.

Well my lease is up next month, and my roommates are leaving town. The complex that I am staying in only has 2-3 bedrooms which are way out of my price range for just myself and my girl.

So we are having to find a new complex with 1 bedrooms, In our price range that will accept snakes. It seems to be a nightmare, I never thought so many places would have an issue with a sweet, harmless ball python.

Any suggestions? Should we just hide him? I refuse to give him up!

My suggestion is to simply keep looking. Question 1) Do you allow pets? Are small cage animals ok? Then, when they ask what, you say a 'a small, harmless pet snake', rather than 'ball python', as most people do not know the difference between a ball python and the star of the movie 'Anaconda'. If you have a locking cage (which I'd really recommend anyhow), this is a big selling point.

You may also want to consider looking into mobile homes, which are likely to be more lenient, offer more privacy, and are often in the same price range. (In spite of the stigma, where you are has a lot to do with what sort of folks live in trailor parks, lol. Some of them are much nicer than apartments).

Just ask the apartment if they allow caged pets. If you're worried about revealing your snake, just say you're thinking about getting a lizard or something. If they allow caged pets, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Otherwise if you still can't find a place, what the apartment doesn't know, won't hurt them. ;)

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I personally wouldn't mention it until you see the lease (but before you sign it, of course) to see what it says. Every lease is different. One apartment I lived in stated any animal was allowed, but anything that lived in something larger than a 10 gallon tank was considered a pet requiring a $300 per-pet fee. The place I live now, I never even had to mention my animals. The lease states that reptiles (as well as any other pet) are not allowed in places that do not allow dogs or cats, but in pet-permitted apartments like the one I live in, only dogs and cats are to be put on the lease.

Well, so far I have only been asking if they allow small caged pets. First thing they ask is what kind. Typically I will say a small harmless reptile. And so far every time they want to know what kind. Our favorite apartment so far said yes to gecko's but absolutely no snakes. And this seems to be the general answer we have been hearing. Where we live and need to live we really do not have a lot of options in our price range. There are only like 8 apartment complex's we can stay in. So far 5/8 have said no snakes, and i'm not sure if its in their lease or just the office lady's scared to death of them.

However, I have only asked over the phone and have not given them my name, so if we have to sneak him in they will not question why we don't have the snake now.

And I don't keep him in anything small he has a full T8 to himself. (he's a year old and eats like a beast)

All you have to do to find out why snakes are not okay is to do a Google search for "Snake in Apartment". The number of accounts of snakes escaping into an apartment complex is huge, and well publisized. It's not that the apartment board is against snakes. They're against stupid owners who don't properly cage their animals, which then get out and 'terrorize' other units. Instances of boas getting out and getting into walls/plumbing is fairly well spoken amongst boards.

For instance, I live in a townhouse. I am only connected to one other house. I am allowed to have cats and dogs. I am allowed to have any animals that live in a cage. However, they were very leery about me having a snake. In fact, I had to invite them over and show them the locking cage I had before they would even consider it. As it was, I've been warned that if the snake is ever seen outside of it's enclosure, I will be asked to get rid of it. This includes holding it within view of any windows or outside. I am allowed to have it, but I am not allowed to cause problems with the other tenants because of it.

For apartment buildings, because they are stacked and close together, yes, snakes are a HUGE liability for the apartment building manager. It falls on them if there are any problems. So they aren't being mean. They're covering their own butts.

If you cannot find a place that allows snakes, but does allow lizards... I would personally (And I do NOT advorate breaking any lease conditions) keep my snake, but not keep it actively on display. So, a tub or enclosure rather than a tank. And, of course, have my gecko out on display for the world to see. If you say you have a lizard, then definitely have a lizard for the world to see. But keep your snakes to yourself.

And above all, if you consider doing that, you need to make sure you have no escapees. If you are found to have snakes and one gets out and goes to another apartment, you will very likely be kicked out. Apartment boards often share a 'black list' that is avaliable for them to search about tenants. So don't tarnish your reputation.

Best of luck to you!

Do lots and lots of searches. Ask questions. If one place doesn't have spots open, ask them if they know of another building that does. If they are too expensive, ask if they know of a cheaper alternative. A huge number of apartment buildings are owned by the same company. Use that to your advantage.

To be honest I would go the route of mentioning cage animals then say you were just thinking about it. Look at the lease and see what it says.

I've called numerous places and talked to secretaries who say "Oh yes we allow everything what do you have" and when I respond with reptiles they push and I say snakes and they come back with "No not them they aren't allowed". I've actually done this with the two places that said they allowed everything and pushed to speak to the actual super who again told me everything was allowed and yes snakes were. So don't just believe secretaries they can be nasty.

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Originally Posted by Vasiliki

All you have to do to find out why snakes are not okay is to do a Google search for "Snake in Apartment". The number of accounts of snakes escaping into an apartment complex is huge, and well publisized. It's not that the apartment board is against snakes. They're against stupid owners who don't properly cage their animals, which then get out and 'terrorize' other units. Instances of boas getting out and getting into walls/plumbing is fairly well spoken amongst boards.

For instance, I live in a townhouse. I am only connected to one other house. I am allowed to have cats and dogs. I am allowed to have any animals that live in a cage. However, they were very leery about me having a snake. In fact, I had to invite them over and show them the locking cage I had before they would even consider it. As it was, I've been warned that if the snake is ever seen outside of it's enclosure, I will be asked to get rid of it. This includes holding it within view of any windows or outside. I am allowed to have it, but I am not allowed to cause problems with the other tenants because of it.

For apartment buildings, because they are stacked and close together, yes, snakes are a HUGE liability for the apartment building manager. It falls on them if there are any problems. So they aren't being mean. They're covering their own butts.

If you cannot find a place that allows snakes, but does allow lizards... I would personally (And I do NOT advorate breaking any lease conditions) keep my snake, but not keep it actively on display. So, a tub or enclosure rather than a tank. And, of course, have my gecko out on display for the world to see. If you say you have a lizard, then definitely have a lizard for the world to see. But keep your snakes to yourself.

And above all, if you consider doing that, you need to make sure you have no escapees. If you are found to have snakes and one gets out and goes to another apartment, you will very likely be kicked out. Apartment boards often share a 'black list' that is avaliable for them to search about tenants. So don't tarnish your reputation.

Best of luck to you!

Do lots and lots of searches. Ask questions. If one place doesn't have spots open, ask them if they know of another building that does. If they are too expensive, ask if they know of a cheaper alternative. A huge number of apartment buildings are owned by the same company. Use that to your advantage.

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Thanks for the advice. Since he stay's in a black AP T8 cage. We figure we could find a way to sit it on the closet floor or something, or turn it into a table in our bedroom. It is quite large 4ft x 2ft x 1ft. But it would be pretty easy to throw a thin table cloth or sheet over the cage. I have the sliding glass doors with a lock so that is not an issue.

Things like this make me happy that I live in Ontario. Part of our Tenants Act states that any "no pets" rules as stated in a lease are invalid. Granted, I still found an apartment that was okay with me having animals, because I don't want to have a hate/hate relationship with my landlord and go to war over my animals.

I wish you luck in finding an apartment that will allow your pets. I can only agree with the advice given so far - ask if they allow small caged animals such as reptiles, and when they ask what kind just ask about lizards and small harmless snakes in securely locked cages in general. If they specify that one is allowed and another is not, then I would personally ask why not? Are there actual rules about this, or is it just personal preference, dislike for snakes, etc.

Anyways, good luck again! :)

1) hit up craigslist for more options and the ability to sort by price and if they allow pets.

2) focus on DUPLEXES and FOUR-PLEXES. These are more often owned by a landlord/lady rather than a company. Companies that run complexes will not bend the rules and cannot be negotiated with. Landlords/ladies can and often will listen to the needs of potential renters. I 100% agree with asking if "small caged pets" are allowed. Lying is never good, but being too specific to someone who knows nothing about reptiles won't do THEM anymore favors than yourself. Because really, a ball python in a small cage is less of a threat to their property than a hamster.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

what the apartment doesn't know, won't hurt them. ;)

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Be careful there. In the contract it generally allows for them to drop you as a tenant if they have been lied to about things like that. Not only do you need to find a place, most stick you with the remaining rent. So if its a year lease, and you get kicked in the first month, you still have 11 months of rent due to them. :colbert: Don't count on them not coming by. They are allowed to come in, unless otherwise specified, if they feel something "needs to be fixed".

I had a really hard time finding an apartment that allowed them. I would follow the wording suggestions that were previously mentioned. If it comes up, make sure to explain they stay small, you've had them forever and know how to take care, and bring up that you have a professional locking enclosure for them (and actually have one).

Good luck!

Snakes are a lot easier to hide than a dog or cat since they are quiet and don't smell. I wouldn't mention it and just bring the cage in quickly at night or when you are moving Amy furniture.

Not like they will search it.

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I would go the route of saying you're "thinking of getting a small caged reptile" such as "maybe a turtle or a gecko or something" and then if pressed say that the opposite person to the one who is on the phone is the one thinking of getting it. They probably won't ask more specific questions after that and in that case, as long as they have not specifically returned with "well, as long as it's not a snake" and your lease does not say no snakes, you should be fine. The semantics of it are, of course, incredibly important. You have to say "or something" to assume their answer includes more than turtles or geckos.

It might also be the snake type. Our leasing agent was fine with us buying a corn snake but very leary of a ball python. They eventually returned with "you can have a small snake." I figure our currently 150g girl is pretty darn small.

ocus on DUPLEXES and FOUR-PLEXES. These are more often owned by a landlord/lady rather than a company. Companies that run complexes will not bend the rules and cannot be negotiated with. Landlords/ladies can and often will listen to the needs of potential renters. I 100% agree with asking if "small caged pets" are allowed. Lying is never good, but being too specific to someone who knows nothing about reptiles won't do THEM anymore favors than yourself. Because really, a ball python in a small cage is less of a threat to their property than a hamster.:snake:

Just food for thought. Any lease I have seen in Ohio or North Carolina require a landlord to give 24 hour notice before entering. Im speaking as both a renter and a landlord. There are exceptions, like you request reapirs or a gas leak, major plumbing problem, etc.

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Originally Posted by VooDooDoc

Just food for thought. Any lease I have seen in Ohio or North Carolina require a landlord to give 24 hour notice before entering. Im speaking as both a renter and a landlord. There are exceptions, like you request reapirs or a gas leak, major plumbing problem, etc.

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Im pretty sure this is true almost everywhere. I know people who rent in CT and thats the general consensus.

Just a thought, but you could always make it an emotional support animal. Thats what I've done with my dog and leopard gecko. Then they can't say no.:D

I would try mobile home parks, a nice single wide will due a single person nicely, and they are useually more tolerant. Also a house that rents attached apartments is an option. You can ask them if they own pets, if they say yes, you can ask what kind, and if they say reptiles, then mention you also have a reptile and was afraid you would lose your pet because of the move. You'd be surprised how understanding people will be if they see you as a caring pet owner. Private owners are more approachable then corporate owners, and much less snobby.

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Originally Posted by UWshiba

Just a thought, but you could always make it an emotional support animal. Thats what I've done with my dog and leopard gecko. Then they can't say no.:D

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First off this post is four years old.
Second, this is a problem with people today s those that TRULEY need help. SMH

I agree. When I tell people that I have a pet python, no matter whether I say python or ball python, people do not know what that means... most automatically assume it is a massive Burmese python that is 26 feet long. They always nod and ask 'and how long will it get to be?' and when I tell them its a male ball python, and what its max growth is, they look confused and usually say something like, 'Oh I thought they got to be much larger."

IF it helps - you can get renter's insurance. That usually covers pet damage and can help you land an apartment. I think its about $35 a year? Maybe $50?

I agree. The movie anaconda is what seems to come to mind first... that and confusion with the Burmese pythons that get to be BIG.

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

My suggestion is to simply keep looking. Question 1) Do you allow pets? Are small cage animals ok? Then, when they ask what, you say a 'a small, harmless pet snake', rather than 'ball python', as most people do not know the difference between a ball python and the star of the movie 'Anaconda'. If you have a locking cage (which I'd really recommend anyhow), this is a big selling point.

You may also want to consider looking into mobile homes, which are likely to be more lenient, offer more privacy, and are often in the same price range. (In spite of the stigma, where you are has a lot to do with what sort of folks live in trailor parks, lol. Some of them are much nicer than apartments).

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I don't think the date of the post matters on this thread.

Pets and apartment living can be a problem.

If people contribute to this thread, over time, we might generate some good ideas for people who face this same situation in the future :)

Helpful brainstorming is a sign of a healthy discussion group :)

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

First off this post is four years old.
Second, this is a problem with people today s those that TRULEY need help. SMH

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Maybe you should use the search function and see how many times this subject comes up..

You said that you are moving because some other people moved out and you can not afford the rent. Have you considered getting someone else to move in and share the rent so your expenses are the same as they were before? You wouldn't need to worry about keeping your animals, or the hassle and expense of moving.

That said, as a landlady I put no pets on my contract because I can't afford the liability if someone's dog should bite someone or tear the place up, the damage if a cat sprays the walls, or animal noises or smells that get out of hand. I would be fine with snakes that do not terrorize the neighborhood or with geckos.

To some people, any snake larger than a worm is a source of terror. About 3 years ago, I went to a community yard sale event. When a man saw me looking at his reptile magazines, he asked if I am a reptile person. I said yes, and he swore me to secrecy in exchange for all his reptile stuff. Then he came out and loaded my 4Runner. It seems his boa got loose and terrorized the neighborhood, and no one knew how it got out or whose it was. He never reclaimed it. I got a truckload of freebies. What happened to the poor boa is anybody's guess.

At least in my case, it's irresponsible owners that I worry about, not the animals themselves. It's next to impossible to tell who is or who isn't responsible. Everyone claims to be that one shining example of responsibility. If you get letters attesting to how well you take care of your animals to show a potential landlord, it might help.

If all else fails, check the date or read the posts right about yours...*sigh*

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

First off this post is four years old.
Second, this is a problem with people today s those that TRULEY need help. SMH

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Very true on both counts. And, in the State of Florida, at least, snakes are exempt from being ESAs.

Wonder if some people would also hit their doctor up for a handicap tag for their car. You know how much walking can be a bother....