Escalating house repair bills ‘could worsen debt fears’

An increasing number of homeowners in Britain could soon require debt management help if they fail to maintain their property adequately, new figures have indicated.

A study carried out by Churchill revealed many people might soon be confronted with hefty repair bills because they have not looked after their houses.

The report found 49 per cent of residents in the UK never clean or clear their gutters and downpipes and the home insurer warned this could lead to considerable water damage to brickwork, rot windows and cause damp.

It showed 68 per cent of households that have already suffered from damp have not attempted to dry the affected areas, nor used a dehumidifier.

Damp patches can lead to a growth in mould and heighten the risk of illness, the organisation noted.

Moreover, it was discovered 42 per cent of homeowners do not service their boiler, which could result in more expensive gas bills and even a breakdown.

Other vital maintenance Brits appear to be abandoning include inspecting for loose tiles or slates – with 62 per cent failing to check this – and bleeding radiators, with 38 per cent admitting they negate this necessity.

Furthermore, 19 per cent of homeowners in the UK said they do not check their smoke alarms on a regular basis, which could result in health as well as financial implications.

Martin Scott, head of Churchill home insurance, claimed: “Keeping your home in a good state of repair is essential, as home insurance does not cover general wear and tear.”

The recent More Than Garden Theft study encouraged residents to protect their backyard goods from being stolen this winter after noting over £4 billion worth of products will be left unprotected.

By Amy White