Snake in the strata

QUESTION: I’ve just rented found a fabulous new flat but  the lease says I need the landlord’s permission to have a pet and the building has a by-law that restricts pets to goldfish, cats and small dogs.

I have a pet python that I keep in a very secure glass tank.  I am worried that the landlord and the strata  might be squeamish about having a snake (and its live food) in the building so I haven’t told them about it.  What should I do? – Monty, Mosman.

ANSWER: Let’s be clear  – you are in breach of both your lease and the building’s by-laws if you don’t get permission.

On the plus side,  you are in a building that likes pets.  But then how small are the dogs and how big is the snake?

But seriously, any time you knowingly decide to become a by-law outlaw, you are risking your home (or your pet) not to mention a lot of grief until it is resolved.

I’d amass as much evidence as I could to prove your snake wasn’t a threat to people or pets then fess up.  But your neighbours are animal lovers so don’t mention the diet..

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