The following is an extract from a letter received by one of our subscribers from a landlord setting out special conditions vis-a-vis pets...

 "One live-in cat or dog, or two birds.  No hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice etc in the house.  Moderate number of rabbits in garden hutch with run is acceptable.

Two children under 12, or one child teenager and up.

Python or non venomous snake, fish, vivarium with small reptile, stick insects in jars, even a tarantula (just one), butterfles, all properly housed and kept clean are ok.

I would like to know what is being kept, in case of escapes, or if I take up residence there again! 

I am willing to negotiate on all but the rodents."

It does beg the question - in a two children household - about what happens on a child's 13th birthday...