Looking for realistic and reasonable suggestions.

[Daigga]

First of all I am so sorry to hear about that. I have had a couple home invasion scenarios, and luckily enough I was armed and was able to chase the attackers out of my house. Obviously I cannot speak to rental bylaws in every area, but in Denver I have rented from a few locations that did allow snakes. In one apartment complex that didn't allow them, I still moved my racks in and they were never noticed. Without tubs in they obviously look like a book case or some kind of storage device. If you can fit the rack in a walk in closet or a room out of the way, I doubt that in a matter of months that the landlord would see. Landlords have to obtain your permission before entering the premises and you can have time to tuck it away. Also, Beeger Boxes makes a "landlord rack" that has a front piece that completely hides what the rack is being used for. You could look into purchasing one of those, or fashioning one yourself. I would be REALLY hesitant to put my collection at a reptile shop. These stores routinely have sick animals that can spread disease to yours, and you will not have control over who is interacting with and caring for them. I honestly think that just keeping them hidden at an apartment is your best bet.

I'm uncomfortable with recommending someone to be dishonest, and I am very bothered by the existence of landlord racks.

First thing is first; check to see if you are allowed to keep your snakes or not. Read your lease, ask the landlord or management company, etc. While it is totally possible that you can move your snakes in and go the 6 to 7 months without the landlord finding out about them there is always the possibility that it won't work out that way for you (the consequences of which are probably only that you'll have to relocate them in a rush, but there could be other penalties. I'm unfamiliar with the processes so I can't say with certainty). If they absolutely won't allow you to keep your animals with you, I would think a local breeder or even a vet that offers boarding would be your best bet. I don't know anything about storage units or their rules, and unless you know the reptile shop owner personally I don't know that I would be comfortable leaving my animals with them.