Pet Fee for a Lizard?

[Brian Mitchell]

Hello BP Community,

I am new to owning a multifamily and had a question for the community. I have a new tenant that signed a lease with me two weeks ago. We talked about if she had pets and she said she doesn't. Fast forward two short weeks. She now says that her dad is moving and he cannot take his Lizard with him. She wants to know if she can take him without paying the $350 pet fee.

I want uniformity and want to avoid other tenants catching on that there would be a way around the pet fee (buy a lizard, or snake instead of a cat/dog).

We live in Maine so there will be a heat lamp. Of course, I am now thinking about the liability.

I don't know much about caged pets so if you have experience with tenants that have reptiles, let me know. Also, any advice as to how best to handle the situation, I am all ears.

Thanks!