Quote Originally Posted by kc261 View Post
I have a few words of advice on this.

Don't start off with "do you allow snakes?" as your first question. It seems like it would save you a lot of time, but it seems to turn people off. Once they've warmed up to you and you've asked enough other questions they know you are serious, it seems to go over better.

Try, when possible, to be talking to the decision maker when you ask the question. Some of the times I've been told "no" I felt like it was a personal spur of the moment decision made by a receptionist who didn't like snakes rather than a real policy.

Start off with a vague question, and only get as specific as necessary. In other words, you might get a yes to "do you allow little pets like the type of things that people keep in aquariums?" which would allow you to have your snakes and your rodent colony, but if you say "snakes and rats" the person will freak out and say no. Also avoid the word "python" if possible, because too many people associate it with giant snakes (or worse), and if you need to tell them what species, consider phrasing like "a small non-venomous snake that make great pets, have you ever heard of ball pythons?"

Do not take that to mean you should be dishonest, but sometimes how you present something can make a huge difference.

Do get it in writing before you sign the lease.

Also, you might have more luck going through a real estate agent, who can argue your point with another real estate agent, before it ever gets to the property owner. Then, when it does get to the property owner, it is his guy telling him "don't be worried about these snakes", and even though they are only repeating what your agent said who is repeating what you said, it makes a big difference. Really one of the stupid ways the human subconscious works, but use it to your advantage here. Just make sure you find an agent who is not biased against snakes, and make sure you educate them enough to be able to argue your point for you.
All excellent points, thanks. I was planning on trying to get friendly with the landlord before breaking out the snake thing, I hope I get to meet him in person. I agree avoiding the word "python" could be good...we should come up with a friendlier name....how about "cuddly balls" or "rodent disposal systems"?

Getting it in writing is a good idea too.

I was also thinking Jedi mind-tricks could be useful:

Landlord: How long have you had these snakes?
Me: About three or four seasons. They aren't for sale if you want them.
Landlord: Let me see your identification.
Me: (waving hand slowly) You don't need to see my identification.
Landlord: [pauses] We don't need to see his identification.
Me: These aren't the snakes you're looking for.
Landlord: These aren't the snakes we're looking for.
Me: I can go about my snake business.
Landlord: You can go about your snake business.
Me: Move along.
Landlord: [gesturing] Move along! Move along!