Midterm Tenant left some Belongings and Snake

[April Birdsong]

I am new to rental investing and had a midterm tenant in for 3 months.  I went to clean house this week and some of her belongings were still there.  In addition, there was a baby snake in a plastic cage.  She had a pet addendum for a dog, but not the snake and it is in my lease that any pet including reptiles will need approval.

I have reached out to her via text and calls since Monday with no response. 

My question: What do I do with her things?  I moved them to my outside patio in order to clean and get home ready for next tenant.  I left a text that I would keep them there until end of week for her to pick up.

Also, the snake, I have contacted the county Animal Control which they will take but they told me the tenant would be charged with abandonment.

[Kelly Bailey]

I think your plan with the belongings is good. If the snake is not poisonous, I like Lauren's idea of finding a friend or letting it go as opposed to charging the tenant with abandonment, especially if it was a great guest that your just having a hard time connecting with.