Have you read your lease agreement document? In my rental experiences they are mainly geared to keep the property in good condition. It will have a clause regarding animals. Both the tenant and the owner can disregard these as they please as long as they can pay the penalty if it becomes a problem for either party.
Communicate with the owner and show them what you've got. You have'nt built anything or modified the garage so it shouldn't be a problem. If it is there is undoubtedly a host of other clauses that the owner will need to adhere to if they want to be "antsy" eg changing light bulbs should be done by an electrician at their expense. The lease is to protect the tenants rights as well as the owners. I rented in Sydney for many years and only had a couple of run ins with owners and mainly real estate agents.These weren't reptile related btw.
If the owners is maybe herpophobic that is not your problem and should not affect your tenancy rights.
Oh and don't forget to pay the rent -that usually keeps em happy.
good luck.
the sweeping brush is an excellent touch
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not sure i agree with the breach notice bit. What are you in breach of unless its in the lease agreement? The owners opinion
is ,respectfully ,irrelevant.
Definitely agree with communicating tho.