Tenant Abandons 22 Tarantulas in Salford Rental Property
The Tenant Left Without Warning… and Took Only Their Clothes
Most landlords have dealt with late rent or minor damage. But sometimes, the surprise left behind is more… alive.
In Salford, a landlord inspecting a recently vacated property found something no one expects: 22 pet tarantulas, abandoned in tanks and containers. Local authorities and animal welfare officers had to step in to remove the spiders, some of which were venomous. You can read the full report here: People.com – Landlord discovers abandoned tarantulas.
Why this matters for landlords
- Pets in properties can be a hidden risk – even when not declared. Exotic animals add a layer of complexity far beyond cats and dogs.
- Clear tenancy terms help – property checks, and what happens if pets are left behind.
- Know who to call – councils often work with animal welfare organisations in cases like this; landlords should keep local contacts handy.
The bigger picture
This story made national headlines because it is so unusual, but the underlying issue is not rare. Abandonment of pets – whether exotic or domestic – can lead to costly clean-ups, damage, and even legal issues. It also highlights the importance of periodic inspections and knowing what steps to take if a tenant disappears.
Your turn
Have you ever walked into a property and found something completely unexpected? From abandoned pets to bizarre collections, share your stories in the comments below.
Comments
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Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 373
9:57 AM, 19th August 2025, About 8 months ago
In all cases tenants should be taken to court by the R.S.P.C.A / Council (CCJ) and landlord’s financially compensated for clear up and stress.In a case of danger to life tenants should be charged for attempted GBH or manslaughter.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2197 - Articles: 2
11:15 AM, 19th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 19/08/2025 – 09:57
Agree, except for the bit about stress. Surely everyone know that landlords never suffer from tenant induced stress?
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 7
1:42 PM, 19th August 2025, About 8 months ago
I went to one property 3 days after the tenant had left and found 2 rabbits in a cage! They had run out of food and water and were happy to see me! Bizarrely due to a law left over from the second world war you cannot stop tenants from keeping rabbits or chickens in their accommodation!
I’ve also had tenants leave cats behind before!!!
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 373
2:45 PM, 19th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Amen Bundred at 19/08/2025 – 13:42Is there a law about rabbits or chickens being allowed to keep tenants though.I had a Victorian property which stated you were not allowed to keep pigs
Member Since April 2019 - Comments: 3
5:52 PM, 19th August 2025, About 8 months ago
One tenant left (got arrested & removed for a domestic incident!) when we finally got in the property we found an 8ft Boa Constrictor, a colony of tree frogs & some turtles all in a 1 bedroom flat – at the time there was a no pets rule ! luckily we got the ex girlfriend to come and collect the lot – unfortunately that was just the start of the clean up ……
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 226
6:58 PM, 19th August 2025, About 8 months ago
A relative once worked with someone who proudly converted their spare room for their boa constrictor!
Motto, dont have spare rooms. Otherwise you can end up with a snake pit.
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 620
5:48 AM, 20th August 2025, About 8 months ago
In my youth I remember living in a rented room next door to a hoarder.
When he moved out his room was full to the brim with newspapers.
His landlord filled 3 skips with the contents of just one room. He must have slept standing up.
Perhaps not in the same league as finding tarantulas.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
8:48 AM, 21st August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Stella at 20/08/2025 – 05:48
Was that flat stacked to the brim with Newspapers in Norwich by any chance?
I think he might have been one of my tenants!
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2197 - Articles: 2
9:04 AM, 21st August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Mark Alexander – Founder of Property118 at 21/08/2025 – 08:48
Equally, he could have been one of my tenants in Kent. I have had plenty of hoarders, including one who left a third of a ton of scrap iron in his studio flat.
Member Since July 2024 - Comments: 112
9:54 AM, 22nd August 2025, About 8 months ago
Prize goes to Mark of 118.. first ever post not to get my blood pressure up! and get me giggling. But finding tarantulas would have set me off on another 10 years of nightmares like the massive spider who stopped my Dad and I in our tracks and had us turned around and go home whilst we lived in the USA.