We’ve all seen apartment listings in our area. They provide general information about the place, such as the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, and they tell you what they are looking for per month. Most of the time, landlords do not allow tenants to have pets. When they do, it usually increases the cost of rent to cover the cost of any cleaning or repairs needed for the pet.
But one question that tends to come up often is whether or not reptiles count as pets in an apartment. In this article we’ll take a closer look at this question and help provide clarity on the subject. We’ll also provide some tips for when you’re apartment hunting with a pet reptile or amphibian so you know what to expect.
Pets In Apartments – Do Reptiles Count?
The majority of the time, the “NO PETS” restriction applies specifically to pets that will roam about the apartment. This mostly includes dogs and cats, but can also cover any mammals that have extended periods of time outside of their cage, such as ferrets and rabbits.
Therefore, you can rest assured knowing that most apartments will not only allow you to have your pet reptile, but they likely won’t charge you for it either! However, it’s always best practice to carefully read your rental agreement to ensure this is the case. It never hurts to verbally confirm this information with your landlord as well.
Some Restrictions May Apply
Although reptiles are generally not considered “pets” in an apartment setting, this is not always true 100% of the time. In some cases, your reptile may fall into a “gray area” and be subject to additional restrictions.
For example, if you live in an apartment complex that also houses daycare facilities or elderly residents, your landlord may be more hesitant to allow reptiles on the premises. This is due to the fact that these groups can be more susceptible to contracting salmonella from contact with reptiles.
Additionally, some landlords may be concerned about the size or type of reptile you plan on keeping as a pet. Certain species can grow to be quite large and may pose a safety threat to other residents in the building. Others may produce noises or smells that could disturb your neighbors.
Another concern that some landlords may have is with heat lamps. At times, heat lamps pose a fire risk. If you are trying to rent from a large apartment complex, this could be seen as a liability. This may result in an extra security deposit fee or you not being able to move your pet into the apartment with you.
Tips for Reptile-Friendly Apartment Hunting
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Do reptiles count as pets in an apartment?”, you may be wondering what you should do if you’re trying to rent an apartment with a reptile friend. Here are some tips to help make your apartment hunting process a little bit easier:
- Start your search early: One of the best things you can do when apartment hunting with a reptile is to start your search early. This gives you more time to find a place that is both pet-friendly and reptile-friendly.
- Check the rental agreement: As we mentioned earlier, it’s always important to carefully read your rental agreement. This will help ensure that you are aware of any pet restrictions that may be in place.
- Talk to the landlord: If you’re still not sure whether or not your reptile will be allowed in the apartment, it’s always best to talk to the landlord directly. This gives you a chance to ask any questions and address any concerns they may have.
- Be prepared to pay a pet fee: In some cases, you may be required to pay a pet fee in order to have your reptile live with you in the apartment. This is usually not the case, but it’s always best to be prepared for anything.
- Provide references: Another good tip is to provide references from previous landlords or roommates. This shows that you are responsible and have a history of good pet ownership.
- Be clean and tidy: Finally, remember to be clean and tidy when moving into your new apartment. This will help show your landlord that you’re respectful and considerate of your surroundings.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect apartment for you and your reptile friend!
Keeping Reptiles In Apartments Is Generally Accepted
To recap, you can rest assured knowing that most apartment rentals aren’t going to have a problem with you keeping a reptile or amphibian as a pet so long as you are proven to be a clean and responsible pet owner. There may be some circumstances in which your reptile doesn’t fall under the “pet” category, but this is typically rare. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to talk to your landlord directly. They’ll be able to let you know if there are any special restrictions in place for your pet.
