Why don't you just be "real" with him? Talk to him person to person, and say, "look. I know theres a no pet policy, but obviously there is some allowance, as you allow fish which are pets. I have snakes, which are all in cages. I really don't have the $700. And I really love my snakes, and I don't want to have to move if I don't have to. Could we perhaps meet in the middle? Maybe I could give you an extra amount per month in a separate agreement to allow me to have my snakes?" ...or something like that. Be real. Be reasonable. Maybe your landlord is not as big a jerk as you think. Im sure hes more upset that you hid them, instead of being upfront. Offer to show him how you house your snakes, so he knows they wont escape, and wont pee/poop on the floor n cause damage to the apartment. You just never know. Are you a good tenant otherwise? Do you always pay your rent on time? Use that as leverage. If he still insists on charging you the $700 fine, then tell him you will be moving out then. Youd rather stay somewhere that allows caged pets. And believe me, there are tons out there. He may be willing to work with you if you are a god tenant. (sometimes those are hard to find!) Just talk to him. You never know. Best of luck to ya.
P.S. .....If he does agree to a separate clause/agreement allowing you to keep your snakes, make sure you get a copy of that IN WRITING and a copy signed by both you and him.
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