Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just bought a beautiful ball python (who took a f/t small mouse on sunday ), and I also have a bearded dragon, a mali uromastyx, a leopard gecko, and a baby russian tortoise.

I figured someone on here must live in an apartment, and I was wondering what I should do when I get to that stage in my life? I've got a while to think about it, since I'm a senior in high school, and I'll be attending college in the fall (commuting locally)...since I plan on getting a master's degree in music education, I've got plenty of time to think about it. I was just wondering if, with all my reptiles, I would even be able to get an apartment. Just something that crossed my mind when I went to my grandparents' apartment, since they are strict about even keeping cats there. I can't imagine what they would think of snakes and lizards...and a tortoise.

So I figured it was a valid question to ask, out of curiosity.

Haha...I live in a dorm and there are rules like that, but just keep quiet and dont let the world know and no one cares...I have 8 cresteds and 1 baby ball here with me

It's certainly a valid question, but one probably best asked to whoever you want to rent an apartment from. These things vary from one person to another. I've lived in places that wouldn't allow cats or dogs but would allow most anything that was caged (reptiles, birds, hamsters). Some won't allow anything, some almost everything. When asking about a rental simply ask about pets and wether or not they are allowed and what is acceptable. Good luck to you, and don't let them catch you sneakin' anything in after dark

Quig

The housing handbook stated only animals kept in "aquariums" were allowed in the dorms. Snakes, lizards, and fish were not uncommon...

The previous poster was right, though...it totally depends on the landlord. IMO, don't mess with trying to sneak them past a landlord...just find one who will allow them. It's not worth the hassle of getting caught and having to move suddenly if they evict you.
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Jeremy Conrad
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...Can't...stop...must...get...more...balls...

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I mean, in an apartment building the landlord has the right to enter your apartment if they feel the need to, don't they? That would make keeping reptiles very hard.

Yeah, like I said, it's a long time from now that I'll have to worry about it. Maybe I'll get lucky and be able to find a good job right out of college and get a house (which is always the best option for an avid drummer/percussionist like me )

I actually just went through that whole process. I was very surprised to find that about two thirds of the places around me allowed snakes. I was sure that nobody would allow it in an apartment. Youll find somebody if you keep at it. Its certainly not any fun to try and hide a bunch of animals because the landlords coming.

ep
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Occupants not paying rent:
1.1.5 balls
2.1.8 corns(candy cane, creamsicle, ghost, 4 normal,
4 anery )
1 pueblan milk
1 everglades rat
1 cal. king
1 gray band king
1 w. hognose
1 bearded dragon
1 fish
1 mouse
3.3 cats

It's very difficult to have a zoo and move around alot.. I have a big group of BP's, and when I interview for a place, and I share with them the amount of critters that I have, it is not taken lightly..

It's actually, however, more difficult to find a place if you have a dog than to have snakes, since they don't move around alot and bark and stuff. It all depends on your luck and how much you can afford to work with..

Good luck, and be sure to keep your priorities straight.

Be cool, stay in school.
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-Ohh, what a Lady-

Balls for Life, Baby!

www.heathersherps.com

I find that there are generally three concerns that people have when it comes to snake owners living in their house/apartment.

1. the snake will get loose and will either be left in the house or the tenant will tear apart the walls looking for it. Or will travel to another persons apartment and scare someone (possible law suit?).

2. Snakes eat rodents - rodents may escape and be left in the house, will do damage and breed like crazy leaving a problem.

3. Owners just don't like snakes or any pet that does not have fur - end of story.
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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

11.42.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi - yeah I know but my kids love the book)
0.1.0 Bredls Python (Smurfette)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.0 frogs rescued from pool skimmer

So everything but the 3rd problem you listed can be dealt with (very secure cages, f/t rodents). I guess when the time comes I'll just have to ask around and see who around here allows reptiles.

Luckily I live in a large town outside of a big city, so there are plenty of places I could look into when I need to.

BTW. Do you have any pictures of your angolan python? I wish I could get one of those. Very beautiful snakes. They seem to cost a ton right now though.

It really depends on where you live. It took my wife and I months to find a place to live. We are in a college town, so none of the apartments allow pets because they dont trust students to keep their pets under control. But if you are in a bigger city, there will be a lot more options as far as finding a place. I still remember all of the calls I made that I got hung up on " yeah we have a small-ish dog...... 2 ferrets..... three snakes.....a turtle.... and a tortoise........Hello? Hello?"
Good Luck finding a place

If you are responsible enough to be thinking ahead in order to deal with this potential problem, I suspect you’ll find a way to deal with it. You may find that honesty is NOT the best policy in this situation, at least before you are all moved in.

When you are looking at prospective places, you might start with the first few properties you are least interested in, and ask if they would accept your animals. If not, you’ll still have your first choices available for a stealth move-in for your critters.

Places that at least accept cats and/or small dogs would be more amenable obviously. I tend to think that houses or small apartment properties (2 or 3 flats) not owned by large companies are best. Here, you’re more likely to be dealing with the property owner, not an agent, with less rules set in stone. The owner’s concerns are pretty simple - having tenants who pay their rent on time and don’t cause any problems. Once they see that you’re reliable, if your exotic pets are later discovered, they may be more apt to let that issue slide. But bear in mind, if those animals aren’t on the lease, you’ll always be in violation.

And whatever you do, never ever mention any exotic pet to an insurance provider.

-Joan

>>I just bought a beautiful ball python (who took a f/t small mouse on sunday ), and I also have a bearded dragon, a mali uromastyx, a leopard gecko, and a baby russian tortoise.

>>I figured someone on here must live in an apartment, and I was wondering what I should do when I get to that stage in my life? I've got a while to think about it, since I'm a senior in high school, and I'll be attending college in the fall (commuting locally)...since I plan on getting a master's degree in music education, I've got plenty of time to think about it. I was just wondering if, with all my reptiles, I would even be able to get an apartment. Just something that crossed my mind when I went to my grandparents' apartment, since they are strict about even keeping cats there. I can't imagine what they would think of snakes and lizards...and a tortoise.
>>
>>So I figured it was a valid question to ask, out of curiosity.