If you’re looking to move into a new apartment, there are plenty of things to consider, from location and amenities to whether or not you’re allowed to have furry friends—or even a reptile—as your roommate. So let’s examine the pros and cons of keeping reptiles in an apartment.
Are reptiles allowed in apartments?
Many people enjoy keeping reptiles as pets. Unfortunately, most locations have specific regulations regarding these animals, and apartments often fall into that category.
Regulations can vary significantly depending on the state, county, and apartment complex, so it is always important to check with management before bringing a reptile home.
In some cases, restrictions may not be on species of reptiles but on relative size requirements or other parameters.
Knowing the regulations beforehand can save lots of time and hassle in the long run when trying to find alternative homes if they are not allowed in an apartment setting.
Pros of Keeping Reptiles in an Apartment
Keeping reptiles as pets in an apartment can have several positive outcomes.
A reptile can make a suitable and fulfilling pet with proper housing, thermal management, and nutritional balance.
In addition to their fascinating appearance, many enjoyable activities like observing natural behaviors or taking the reptile for outside basking can be had with little effort compared to traditional ample pet alternatives such as cats or dogs.
Maintenance may appear intimidating initially; however, understanding the unique biological traits of reptiles quickly allows any potential owner to provide a safe and appealing home.
If the tank is correctly set up and maintained, living with a reptile in an apartment can create a delightful symbiotic relationship between species that will last for years.
Cons of Keeping Reptiles in an Apartment
Keeping reptiles as pets certainly have its pros, but there is no question that they can present severe problems in an apartment.
Reptiles need specific conditions to be healthy and psychologically well-adjusted, which could be difficult in a small, enclosed space.
Animals like iguanas and bearded dragons, who thrive on exposure to natural sunlight and warmth, can struggle in these environments because of a lack of fresh air flow.
Aside from the physical environment of the home, apartments also often restrict noise levels; many reptiles emit loud noises, particularly if they feel threatened or frightened.
Finally, due to their susceptibility to bacteria and contagious illnesses, pet owners may worry about keeping them around young children; families with small children more commonly inhabit many apartments, which could lead to additional headaches for new owners.
The biggest con of keeping reptiles in an apartment is that not all landlords allow it.
Some landlords may hesitate due to potential messes caused by the animals or noise complaints from other tenants.
Additionally, some pet policies state that no animals are allowed on the premises regardless of whether they’re considered pets or not—which might also include reptiles.
Before you move into any new apartment complex, checking with the landlord about whether reptiles are allowed before signing any contracts is essential.
Another downside is that some species of lizards and snakes can grow quite large over time and may require larger enclosures than what would fit inside your apartment—not to mention more frequent feeding times and more maintenance when cleaning their habitat regularly.
That said, smaller species such as geckos (like leopard geckos) tend to make better pets since they rarely exceed 8 inches long when fully grown and typically have longer lifespans than larger lizards (like iguanas).
Why do some landlords forbid reptiles?
Landlords often observe a no-reptile policy due to safety concerns.
Reptiles require specialized habitats, and their upkeep can result in significant expenses and property damage.
What’s more, it is very difficult for the landlord to conduct a thorough inspection to ensure the environment for such animals is safe and secure.
Further, reptiles carry the risk of harboring salmonella bacteria and other contaminants that could impact other tenants or visitors to the building.
Finally, it’s essential to consider the advice of veterinarians and experts who discourage private reptile ownership based on the potential risks they pose.
All these factors make it understandable why some landlords may prohibit certain reptiles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are pros and cons associated with keeping reptiles in an apartment setting, proper research and forethought can be done successfully. Before bringing home any reptile companion, check with your landlord first to know exactly what is expected of you while living on their property with your beloved scaly pal.
