Need help, landlord issue with my Ball Pythons

[fatman28]

Can anybody give me some advice on a touchy situation? I received notice today from my landlord today that due to a complaint by another tenant, I might not be able to keep my two Ball Pythons. Last week when switching over a load of laundry, I had my 1 year old female BP around my neck. While I was about to leave, another tenant entered the basement and began loading the washer. At this time my BP decided to raise her head and my neighbor realized I had a snake on my neck. She seemed scared of the snake so I hurried upstairs and put the snake in its cage, then went back and apologized for startling her. I found out today that she made a complaint to the landlord about the incident and the husband and wife that own the property are discussing whether or not the snakes can stay. I disclosed my snake ownership when moving into the apartment, but my small caged pets (also have a parakeet) we're not specified in my lease since they did not require a pet deposit. I have assured my landlord that BPs are not dangerous, my enclosures are secure, and I will not have my snakes in any common areas in the future. I can't afford to move, nor do I want to lose any of my pets. Like many pet owners, my pets are family and I care for them greatly. If anybody knows of anything I might be able to do or say to convince my landlord that the snakes should stay please let me know.

[mumps]

Now you know why it is generally frowned upon to bring our animals into public places outside of an exhibit or show where the public are aware that snakes, etc. will be on display.

An act like the one you did, harmless as it seemed to you at the time, could have provoked a heart attack from a weak elderly person; it's that serious.

Hopefully this doesn't spread to the point where legislation is placed in your area... it has happened before.

Chris

[tcutting]

well since small caged pets are allowed in the lease there isnt anything they can do about it since they dont make noise or a mess and pose no threat to anyone. I would make it a point to reply to your landlord that it is allowed by the lease and doesnt have ANY impact on any of the other people living there. Just dont take the snake outside of your apt.

now as an example it would be like you complaining about someone having fish.

thats just my 2cents

[Mike Cavanaugh]

#1.) This is going to sound harsh... I do not mean to affend you... but it was pretty stupid to have the snake out in public like that. You certainly weren't doing the snake any favors, and you obviously didn't do yourself any favors either.

#2.) If caged pets are allowed, and the landlord was aware of you having the BP in the first place, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

#3.) Don't let the landlord bully you. There are a lot of vacant apartments out there right now. They want your business. If they try to bully you by saying you must get rid of the snakes or move, then call their bluff. Tell them that you will not get rid of your pets that are allowable by the terms of the lease you agreed to, and that you refuse to move. The burden will then rest on their soldiers to attempt to evict you if they so choose. The odds are they aren't going to do it... and if they do, so be it. Like I stated previously, there are plenty of vacant apartments out there right now. So much so that you will likely get a free month or at least discounted when you move.... so it may not "cost" you anything to move.

[crazy ball]

im in the same boat as you dude....my landlord came round to view my snakes in there encloseres and said if i put a lock on the doors they can stay so theres no way they can escape and cause havock on the rest of the people around



invite them around show that there friendly and show that they are at no harm to any one else



hope you get it sorted mate

[Toddnkaya]

Chris, I don't think he was looking for a lecture from you. Heart attacks, really? lol...
Maybe they should ban dogs and cats and Harley Davidsons, as I'm sure many people are deathly afraid of them as well. He has already admitted he made a mistake, and said he would not do it again.
I think your landlord would have a hard time kicking you out, considering he knew of your animals prior to signing the lease. You may want to check your copy of the lease to see if there is a pet policy anyway.
You have done the right things, appologizing to your neighbor. If your landlord
continues to push forward with eviction plans, you can offer him a pet security deposit of a few hundred dollars. I don't think you should have to do this, as he already had you move in and sign a lease already. You may want to see if you can discuss this with a lawyer so you know your rights. Good luck!

[Daybreaker]

Check your lease and see what is says specifically about the caged pets and if there's anything in there about snakes. If they agreed beforehand that you are allowed to have them (and it's in writing) then you should be okay: remind them that THEY agreed to let you house the snakes there.

If anything, you can always move and keep the snakes. There's always places available, and personally I would move in a heartbeat if it came down to "remove the snakes and you can stay" vs "if you keep them you'll need to move" (I rent as well).

[crepers86]

Also since your landlord knew about the animals when you moved in your lease allows it. that lease is a binding contract. And until it is up can not be altered in anyways. The only way for things to go wrong is if it goes to court and you get a judge that disagrees with the pets snake hobby

[fatman28]

Just to clear up a couple things.

I'm not facing eviction over the situation.

My landlord is concerned that my neighbor may escalate the issue because she doesn't want the snake in the same building as her.

I'm mostly looking for good advice on explaining to my landlord and neighbor that the snake is not a threat to anybody on the property.

[ballpythonluvr]

I live in an apartment myself. I am allowed to have my snakes here where I live but I agreed to never bring my snakes outside and expose them to anyone. I truly hopes this works out in your favor.