No pets in the lease?

[wilomn]

What Jane said.

A verbal ok from an employee is worth about as much as used chewing gum.

[anatess]

One thing to consider as well... Most apartments (at least all the ones I've been in since moving to Florida) spray pesticides in the unit. A no-pets clause could mean they wouldn't consider if the pesticides they use is harmful to pets. And they usually go in without notice.

(Disclaimer: This is just my personal reasoning, I really have no idea if pest control companies use pesticides that are harmful to pets.)

[Argentra]

Most certainly talk to the highest-up person you can. Get them to put something in writing on the lease AS WELL as another paper just for the agreement that will go into your file. This is important!

Do Not just try and 'hide' the snake, since a snake that big is almost impossible to hide. And you could get into tons of trouble.

If they seem stubborn, ask about a pet deposit. When we first moved into this apartment complex, a pet friendly place, the manager had no problem at all with reptiles and didn't even charge the deposit since they weren't threats to the apartment (if I'd had an Iguana, it might have changed). Things went great...until we had to renew the lease. A new manager had taken over and she HATES snakes. The office ladies, sadly, let slip that I had multiple snakes and the manager was terrified. She couldn't make me get rid of them, since the apartments allow all sorts of pets, but she DID make us pay the $300 pet deposit normally reserved for free-roaming animals only.

The point of this is, if your place gets new management and the manager isn't as 'understanding' as the current one might be and you only have a verbal agreement, things could get ugly. Any arrangements made should always be in writing, preferably in more than one source!

[ev477]

What Jane said.

A verbal ok from an employee is worth about as much as used chewing gum.

That's pretty much how I was feeling. I think it will be best to be open about the whole thing like many have suggested, I'm just going to be mad if they say no pets, no exceptions and for some reason I can't get my deposit back if I decide not to rent from them.

I am concerned since it is a real estate company, because I think they are less likely to bend their rules for tenants. I'm going to call them to figure out how I can meet with the landlord to make a clause for my snakes in the lease. Hopefully it goes without a hitch.

Thanks for the inputs everyone, I got a lot of helpful insight.
BTW I originally had asked if aquarium pets are OK and was asked "what kind of pets?" I'm glad I saw how someone could disagree with aquariums.

Also, I don't know if I could stand paying to keep snakes in an apartment while they cause no damage that I am aware of... dogs and cats are one thing, but 500/year to pay for snakes? that seems ridiculous... although it might be my only option for next year

[mainbutter]

sometimes those fees are refundable, sometimes they aren't. If you have to pay a "deposit" (yes some "pet deposits" are non-refundable, they should just call it "pet rent") make sure to find out which it is. Also find out if it is per animal as well, that would very well get expensive QUICK.

Deposits on snakes are ridiculous.