What to do?

[BuckeyeBalls]

The first rack I made I used the lockup thing you mention.

Here's a pic:





Don't know the exact english words for what I'm using, but they are used in closets to hold up the metal bar where you hang your shirts and such on. And in stead of metal bars, I used wooden ones from the DIY store.

Hope this helps,

Greets Yaron

Now thats pretty neat. Iv seen bars going from top to bottom on the bigger racks to secure the whole thing. But side to side is new to me Good way to think outside the box.

[JLC]

Here's some pics of mine...







The bolt is just a little plastic thing that doesn't weigh even a gram. LOL The upside is that if your bolts are in place, then you're SURE the tubs are fully closed. You're right that if there IS a gap, then these little Houdini's will get their noses in it and push it the rest of the way.

[dr del]

Hi,

I use those little plastic corner blocks meant for strengthening units.




dr del

[Argentra]

Well, I'm glad it turned out ok in the end and you didn't have to pay much. At my last apt in CO, the manager when we moved in had no problem at all with the snakes and no deposit was required. But the manager that took over was terrified of snakes and therefore demanded the $300 deposit when we renewed our lease because she was "afraid the snakes would get into the plumbing" and other nonsense like that. We were pissed, but payed the money without much fuss because we really liked the complex and the people there. I was the 'Snake Lady' to everyone. So I understand your issue.
As for the privacy invasion... it is likely that they were checking the walls and ceilings for water damage, especially if you live on a lower floor, and the closets are one place they look. And if a snake was moving against the front of the tub at just that moment it would have been noticed.

Now then, I must add this: It is really Not a good idea when living in apartments to try and 'hide' your reptiles. Obviously, we have seen that they can be discovered by maintenance, another tenant can overhear you talking about them, etc.
The best way to handle reptiles and apartments is to state that you have 'caged animals' when searching for an apartment. If they ask for clarification, you can say reptiles, then small harmless snakes if they ask further (unless you keep boas ). Usually, they will make their position clear to you then; i.e. the reptiles are fine as long as they're in secure cages, or they refuse to allow snakes at all, or you'll need to still pay a deposit in case they get out. This way, you can choose a complex that will be ok with your pets, everything is sorted out and down in writing, and there is no confusion or need to hide your animals.
The place we just moved into said that, since my cages are all locked and the snakes never allowed to roam free, they aren't subject to the deposit and aren't 'pets' under the lease terms. I've just been advised not to carry them around outside. And I have no problems with that.

So, bottom line here: make sure you know what you're getting into pet wise in any apartment complex you're looking at BEFORE signing that lease. It's safer and less stressful all around.

[anatess]

I was renting a condo and they had pet deposit as well. But, just like you said, it specified cats and dogs. I had fish, hamster, and an african gray parrot. I told them about them all and they said, they're fine, no need for deposit! Not even the bird!