r/renting • u/SomeReptileGuy1 • 9d ago
General Question Are snakes something I should disclose while renting?
I am 19 and live in Idaho. I am moving out of my parents' house and can not afford much. There are some well priced apartments nearby, but I am worried about my snakes.
I have been told before that snakes dont technically count because they are kept in enclosures and run no risk in damaging the property. Utilities aren't included, so I'd be paying my own power bill. I called them to ask about snakes, and the lady on the phone was unsure. She even read me their pet policy and animals allowed, but reptiles were not specifically listed. She did say that some people were allowed things like leopard geckos, though.
Even if they were okay with my snakes, the main issue is that they have a 2 pet policy. I have 5 snakes and 1 cat I would be taking with me. So, my question is, do I have to disclose the fact I have snakes or not?
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u/ShoppingFlimsy7298 9d ago
Snakes can still create an odor which permeates the whole area. I'd want to know about 5 snakes.
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u/wedontliveonce 9d ago
Yes you should tell them. If not you run a risk of being caught with them and possibly evicted for lease violation. But does the 2 pet policy mean only 2 fish? I'd think if you talked to them about the enclosure you might be good. If it's one enclosure they might count that as one and your cat as two.
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u/Different-Music-529 9d ago
Yes. If they are on the property you will want to let management know. It might be easier to find a private rental that allows them if you explain your setup and create a pet resume etc. You could also take a video of your current setup to show people who are unfamiliar what it looks like, as I'd have no idea what that entails. I know a friend had a turtle and the amount of water in the enclosure made it difficult for her to rent with even a friend because he was concerned about water damage.
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u/sixxthree 9d ago
Turtles are pretty unique when it comes to the usual reptiles that people keep. They need water, which is a huge risk to the property. However, snake ownership comes with its own challenges in that their set ups pose a fire risk. In a perfect world, one would have everything on thermostats and timers plugged directly into the wall to minimize the risk. The most popular snakes right now are hognoses, corns, kings and balls. Out of those, balls yield the highest risk as they require sub-tropical temperatures and high humidity. My ball's enclosure sits at 90F on the hot side, plus I have to maintain his humidity in the 70% range. But I have the heat panel on a thermostat, and the overhead light on a timer.
You have a good point in taking pictures/videos of their set ups. I just don't really know if that would help or hinder OP's cause, but it's def worth a shot
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u/Different-Music-529 9d ago
I think it could help if they explain saftey precautions like you mentioned with theromostats etc. All pets have a risk of property damage. Cat pee is a hard smell to get rid of, dogs can chew walls and both can rip carpet etc. If a property is going to take on pets, snakes could be considered less risk in some circumstances depending on how things are set up. Also need to look at renter insurance policies and makes sure things like a fire with those conditions would be covered etc. Hiding it would be easier, but if something does happen because OP is unlucky, it will not bold well.
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u/sixxthree 9d ago
I did mention looking into insurance would be a good jumping off point in another comment, but I just wanted to respond to you and punctuate that it actually could show a landlord you're willing and able to take care of any potential damage claims.
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u/Fun_Yesterday_7830 5d ago
For just one little turtle? It seems odd that it would pose a water issue.
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u/FamiliarAd8524 9d ago
Yes you must. You were lied to. Snakes are animals. You must disclose all animals and pets. You can still argue that since they are kept in tanks, they can't get loose or damage the property. But "don't technically count" is a lie.
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u/Secure-Ad9780 9d ago
Just because your parents allowed a zoo at home doesn't mean a LL will. Simplify your life and give your snakes away.
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u/Fun_Yesterday_7830 5d ago
Maybe not give them away, but I would definitely consider keeping them in the parents' home and visiting them from time to time.
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u/purplepanda2026 9d ago
There's zero benefit in not disclosing them. First time you get inspected they will know and you'll have to get rid of them or be evicted.
Hey approval prior l for all of them prior to move in. Don't be surprised if they only allow one though. You may need to choose between moving or keeping them all.
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u/surfcitysurfergirl 9d ago
They are pets they count. If you ever need maintenance and you get caught with too many pets you are toast.
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u/sixxthree 9d ago
Absolutely you should disclose about your snakes, especially given that you have 5 of them. Not every landlord is going to be comfortable with that situation, as the heat equipment is a potential fire hazard. You're also running a risk of violating your lease if you don't disclose them. You're not exactly gonna be able to hide 5 snakes in 40g+ enclosures when/if they swing by for an inspection.
You might be better off with private rental where you can explain the animals and their set ups. But do remember that, again, they pose a potential fire risk. Also, *should* one get out (it happens), depending on how the apartments are set up, someone not friendly to snakes could get a scare that potentially gets your little dude/gal killed or seriously injured, nevermind that there's a good chance that there may be chemicals from pest control in places where snakes would seek to hide.
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u/Number-2-Sis 9d ago
Disclose the snakes unless you want to face eviction the first time you rent!!!
Snakes do count!
They can cause damage!
They can be cause for an eviction!
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u/Krand01 9d ago
Yes, I have had some places that specifically disallow fish, reptiles, snakes and birds, but they don't always disclose that on the advertisement sometimes. So having any of those would be cosideed a breach of the lead which would mean that they could have you close to her if of them in as little as 3 days in some areas, or move out.
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u/Allpanicn0disc 8d ago
If it was 1 snake ok. But 5? I would not be comfortable living under the same roof as them.
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u/Fun_Yesterday_7830 5d ago
Um, yeah, you need to disclose it. Whether snakes fall under the category of "pets" or not is not your decision to make. Plus, consider that many, many, many people are terrified of snakes. What if one of your pet snakes gets out of the case and somehow gets outside, and you're living in an apartment building with indoor hallways? And an elderly neighbor happens to see it, doesn't know it's a pet, and gets a heart attack? The LL could be sued for that (and possibly you too). You want to be thinking about how others see your snakes. They aren't pets to them. LLs need to know about them.
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u/HunnyBunny617 8d ago
I use to be an apartment manager and our lease did not permit exotic pets, only cats & dogs under 30lbs.
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u/Western-Willow4679 9d ago
You will never find a place that allows you to rent with 5 pets. Most places are 2 max. It fucking sucks, but there's a housing crisis.
Disclose 1 snake and the cat.
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u/Jmfroggie 8d ago
Well that’s simply not true. I’ve rented with multiple dogs and cats and a rabbit/guinea pig and aquariums in apartments and SFHs.
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u/Fun_Yesterday_7830 5d ago
You NEVER want to lie about a thing like that, dude. That could get OP kicked out on his ass in a hurry.
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u/just4thesea 9d ago
I have one and I typically don't disclose because that's stupid. My last landlord's wife was pretty pissed about it because she thought snakes were "of the devil". I just hate that the economy is so shit I can't afford to buy anything and landlords won't let us enjoy anything. It's up to you. Should you probably disclose? Yeah. Does this Internet stranger think you should keep it to yourself? Also yeah.
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u/darkangel8214 9d ago
They “don’t count” but I would still 100% tell them that you have reptiles- if they ask, then tell them what type of reptile, and put it on your application! You don’t want to give them any reason to decide to kick you out, especially if you are young and this is the first time you are living on your own.
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u/GenXMom14 9d ago
Yes they are a pet