If you’re living alone in your new apartment, having a pet can be a nice welcome after a long day of work. But not every animal is the right choice for a rental property. It can become a larger commitment both in time and money than you planned.
While exotic pets are exciting in theory, they can result in a headache for you and your landlord. If a costly repair doesn’t sway you, think about the risk of disease. Human contact with reptiles and other exotic animals accounts for 70,000 cases of salmonellosis each year.
Here’s a list of seven pets you should skip while you live in an apartment complex.
1. Iguanas
More than one million exotic iguanas are imported into the U.S. annually. While they start small, iguanas can grow up to seven feet long, depending on the breed. Their enclosures are double that size — about half your living room.
And since they’re tropical creatures, they need constant heat. The heat bulbs you could use in your apartment may not supply the necessary temperature they need to survive.
2. Monkeys
They’re furry and playful, but monkeys belong in the jungle, not in your 500-square-foot apartment.
Aside from the fact that owning monkeys as pets is illegal in most states, they can destroy property. They can pass on diseases and attack you since they’re outside of their habitat.
3. Parrots
Your neighbors don’t appreciate late parties and they also won’t appreciate a loud parrot (or other large bird) speaking at all hours of the night.
Noise violations can quickly get you kicked out of your apartment. Plus, if you’re not trained on how to clean their cages correctly, their droppings can transmit diseases.
4. Hedgehogs
If you were a kid in the ’90s, you remember “Sonic the Hedgehog.” We’re willing to bet you spent long afternoons trying to beat the SEGA game. Whether it’s nostalgia or you just find these pokey guys cute, hedgehogs are a bad bet as apartment pets.
Hedgehogs are illegal to own as pets in several states, their care is expensive and they can injure you with their quills. Despite their perfect size, your landlord probably won’t be happy.
5. Pigs
Pot-bellied pigs start small and sweet and over time and you can house-train them, similar to a dog. But while they’re only a few pounds as babies and easy to transport, they can quickly grow to up to 200 pounds. Not so tiny!
As they grow, their natural instincts will take over and they’ll start to burrow. They can scrape the apartment’s floors while you’re at work. Not great for getting your security deposit back.
6. Alligators
One word: unpredictable. Their appetite changes often and depending on the breed, they can grow to up to 1,500 pounds.
Some owners start keeping them as babies, building a connection with the pet alligator. But inside an apartment, with limited space and other residents around, it’s not a good idea.
7. Large constrictor snakes
You often see small snakes for sale, like python snakes, at pet stores in the city. But large constrictor snakes can become dangerous to other residents in the complex as they can escape and end up in the hands of someone less experienced.
These snakes in particular are wild animals recommended to remain outside in their natural habitat.
Think before you buy
Check your lease and ask your landlord for details on pets allowed in the unit. If you have an eye on a rare or exotic pet, be sure to check your state laws, as well. For example, hedgehogs are banned in certain states and carry a large fine. Better safe than sorry.
