Almost five million UK homeowners have been left counting the cost of house guests who outstayed their welcome to the tune of £66 million in the past year, according to new research.
The survey, conducted by insurer Direct Line, revealed that space-invading freeloaders, who stay for prolonged periods without paying rent, spent an average of eight weeks on a friend’s or relative’s sofa.
During their stay, ‘space invaders’ caused more than £66 million of damage to their hosts’ property last year, leaving a trail of destruction by breaking furniture, prized heirlooms and antiques.
Matt Owen, spokesman for Direct Line, commented: “For anyone who is going to have a house guest, it is probably best to lay down clear ground rules when they move in to establish how long they intend to stay.
“Otherwise they could find themselves adding to the 180,000 householders who have had a freeloading house guest live in their home for over two years,” he added.
Meanwhile, psychotherapist Christine Webber revealed how a freeloader’s presence could have serious implications on family life.
“Often, the presence of a space invader dramatically affects the dynamics of the household. Having an extra person around often impacts very seriously on a relationship, for example, as the couple feel they have no time or privacy to be alone or to talk,” she explained.
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