Arrived to collect the move-in inspection form today and saw the two approved cats (that I charged $250 registration fee but waived pet rent) and undisclosed set up for a fish tank. Also discovered a room with tanks holding 7 snakes and 1 geeko. Polite military tenant and girlfriend - who both scored very high on NTN.

Well you got to pick your battles. You already said you aren't going to kick them out for being lying sneaks.

You might try raising the rent $50-100 a month and at least get some extra money for the unauthorized pets. My lease says $300 fine for un authorized pets.

I don't have a problem with reptiles, birds etc. Unless they are poisonous. then it's a hard no.

your best chance "to do something" was when you were standing there with them.

Nicole, I kind disagree: no face to face confrontation as we never know how they will react.

I hate when people feel entitled to just do anything they darn well please. We've had people sneak in snakes too, and I'll tell you what we found. Big rat droppings in the closets from where they raised FOOD for the dad blamed snakes!

I worry about the weight of aquariums and the damage they can do if they leak too.

And tenants do this pet sneaking for the exact reason that very few landlords will do anything about it once the tenant and the undeclared pets are in.

I do not permit fish tanks so the tenants would be informed that the fish would have to go. If they want to keep the tank, they can give away the fish and drain the tank and store it dry.

They will get rid of the snakes and fish rather than move if you order them to get rid of the unauthorized pets. Craigslist is full of ads re-homing small pets because the landlord said to get rid of them.

I can't say what is the best thing for you to do now, but I think I would give them written notice / happy clause option-before damage is done. They are new. Must law the law down now, or it will only get worse. you want to use some of this wording in the future, you may:

Included in my Rental agreement "Animal" clause -

NO dog, cat, bird, fish, reptile, or any other animal of any kind, permanent or visiting, indoor or outdoor, shall be permitted on the premises without prior written consent of Landlord.

_____ (initial) Any animal desired as an occupant requires the submission of an Animal Application and approval of the same by Landlord, before being allowed on the premises. Animal occupants are limited to dogs, cats, or fish in a maximum of 5-gallon size tank. (One fish tank counts as 1 animal, no matter how many fish are in it.) Any animal with a history of aggressive behavior will be prohibited. In no instance will more than TWO animals be allowed. Every animal (except fish) must be spayed or neutered, be at least one year old, and be kept current on all required vaccinations and registration.

In my Animal Application -