What to tell estate agents when renting regarding reptiles ???

[Johelian]

Originally Posted by boaboytony5

I rang a local estate agents after taking your comments on board and decided to be honest and asked them to show me properties that allow pets I told them that I keep reptiles etc and they said they'd never come across this as a problem (I'm assuming because alot of people wouldn't even bring it up and maybe hide them for inspections? lol), they said they'd look into it for me ... well they just rang me back with one property that allows pets but did say that the ones that don't allow pets is mainly refering to dogs and cats that can cause damage to the properties so asked me to view ones that I'm interested in and they'd fight my corner about allowing me to keep reptiles as I'd explained that the vivs all have locks on and there would be no damage to the house due to the reptiles.

I'm happy with the response, it did take some explaining and 2 very long phone calls but the manager of the estate agents had to be informed and had to make the final decision.

So first step is to arrange viewings for the homes I'm interested in and they'll convince the landlord/lady that the reps are not going to cause any hassle !!!

Thanks to everyone that's contributed to my thread, honesty seemed to be the best policy (but I will confirm this once I have my own rented property)

Very sensible, and just what we did - saves you a lot of hassle in the long run. On the rare occasion that our landlord visits (he does some of the repairs in the house), he is usually quite interested in having a peek at some of the lizards!

[Andy]

I didnt mention it and when they did the inspection just put sheets over the vivs. If they had of said anything I would of said you shouldn't be peeking under the sheets!

[freekygeeky]

in 2 years time me and graham will be gettig a flat togtehr and im so worried i wont find somewhere who will let me take my reps

[slither61]

HI all,

If you lie it will always catch up with you at some time later, tell the truth.

What happens if you lie and get the place then six or seven months later have 7 or 8 snakes and you get found out and told to get rid what do you do then ????.

slither61

[Tops]

Originally Posted by slither61

HI all,

If you lie it will always catch up with you at some time later, tell the truth.

What happens if you lie and get the place then six or seven months later have 7 or 8 snakes and you get found out and told to get rid what do you do then ????.

slither61

How are you going to get 'found out'? They cant just walk in and start looking around anytime they like.

You will get notice of anytime they come round.

[slither61]

Originally Posted by Cookie1979

I had the same problem when i was renting not everyone was happy about it.

The place i eventually moved into doesnt know i have my snakes in the apartment and by law they have to give me 48 hours notice before enterting the property i dont worry as i can move them if need be.

I tried to explain that snakes are like having a bowl of fish, they dont make a mess and are not the type of pet that will damage property/furnishings.

ITs just ignorance on some peoples parts thinking a snake is an evil slimy horrible creature.

Hi all.

It is not ignorance, if it is not your house and you are told you cannot have pets you should not get any snakes.
Look for one that lets you keep snakes, what would you have done if you had been found out, and had to get rid.


slither61

[Bernie]

Thats really good news! (About the estate agents helping you out). We rent privately and I was completely honest about terrapin (which is all I had at the time) and they were fine, if a little curious! They were only concerned that it was contained, so no barking to annoy neighbours, damage to carpet/furniture or smells etc. We got the snakes a few years later and although we didn't ask permission (as they fell into the same category as the terrapin really) they were ok about it when they saw them. To be honest, I don't think landlords should be allowed to dictate your lifestyle in such a manner. If you pay a hefty deposit and make rent payments on time, where is the problem? Whether your carpet is ruined by a dog or a wild party, you'd still have to pay for it. It's like them asking you not to have friends round incase someone spills something! As far as the reptiles are concerned, I've done more damage to our carpet with my wine spillage - 'Vanish' is my best friend! Along with Alka Seltzer of course...

[slither61]

Originally Posted by Tops

How are you going to get 'found out'? They cant just walk in and start looking around anytime they like.

You will get notice of anytime they come round.

Hi all,

You may tell a neighbour after a while thinking you can trust them they could tell the landlord, if he thinks your hiding something from him he could serve you notice to leave, why lie in the first place.

slither61

[Azazel777]

Originally Posted by Tops

Why would you kick out a responsible rent paying, trouble free tenant over some snakes? It wouldnt make any sense. They are more likely to leave you alone so long as your not causing trouble. No landlord wants their property to be vacant. It means they are losing money which is bad business practice. The only real reason to worry would be if they wanted you out for some other reason in which case they are looking for a reason to evict you. They will find one eventually whether its reptile related or not.

it depends on the induvidual really but often enough landlords (especially in the south) will kick people out for stupid reasons in order to raise the rent for the next perspective renters. i have seen it happen.

in general i think its just best to look for properties which have a pets allowed policy...a dont ask and dont tell thing is a bit too dodgy for me to take a chance.

[linda.t]

tony
there are some local to us that will let u have reptiles my son is renting one in basford and they asked if they could have them and were told yes but no cats/dogs i will try and find out who they are renting off.
linda
will pm u details when i get them