Home insurance company warns of nightmare lodgers

Nightmare lodgers are costing British homeowners dearly, according to research by a home insurance company.

Property damage was suffered by 17 per cent of landlords - a quarter of which say they would never get a lodger again after their experience, Zurich found.

Taking in a lodger is a financial consideration for the majority of landlords. One in five say without a lodger they would struggle to repay their mortgage. Four per cent say taking in a lodger is the only way they could afford becoming first time buyers.

Property prices and the cost of living mean that many homeowners are feeling the pinch, says Maria Donald of Zurich.

She says that taking in a lodger may seem like a financially viable plan, but warns that people should plan this carefully.

The home insurance company has compiled a list of tips for those considering renting a room to help cover mortgage payments or make some extra money.

This advice ranges from making sure their potential lodger is thoroughly vetted, to informing their home insurer of their intentions, Ms Donald says.

She believes these tips could reduce the risks of taking in a nightmare lodger and give homeowners extra peace of mind.