Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My apt lessor disovered that I have lizards and is calling them exotics and therefore wants me to get rid of lizard or leave.
I have water dragons, blue tongued skinks, and bearded dragons. Are these considered exotics?
Any suggestions?

Exotic is a definition that changes depending on who's using it. It either means A. not domesticated or B. not popular. Definition A, in my opinion, would mean that the only non-exotics are cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and rabbits, as far as house pets go. All the other pets you can think of have been bred in captivity for 200 years or less.
Definition B includes things like ferrets, hamsters, and parakeets as non exotics, because they're cute and can sometimes wear tiny bandannas.
Wherever the word exotic is used, the definition almost always includes reptiles. Even ones that live in the same place you live and are very much less exotic than Mr. Peanut the gerbil.
The lessor should have been much more specific in the lease, though, and if you're actually in Australia, you might have a case. Probably not otherwise.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

I would consider all those lizards you listed as exotics. My definition is anything not indiginus at the current time
Foot Hill Reptile Relocation, Research and Conservation

I would need much more information than what you gave in order to give you proper advice, so I'm going to write something pretty generic:

A.- Go through your lease and find out what it says about pets... Most places only make the distinction between caged and uncaged animals... If that's the case with your lease, he cannot evict you... You have "caged" animals and the fact that they are exotic has no effect on the situation...

B.- If your lease does include the distinction of exotic animals, then you will have to resort to the "law"... You will need to research your state, county, and city laws... From there, you will have to determine what the "law" considers exotic where you live. If they do not list them as exotic animals... Which normally requires a license, or having them registered as exotic, then you should also be ok...

C.- If none of this helps, E-Mail me and I'll try to come up with more options for you...

Either way, good luck with it...

~ Miguel