Research reveals top ten house share bugbears

Research carried out by ASDA Money has revealed the top ten houseshare bugbears

Published:14:31Saturday 19 September 2015

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Swapping home comforts for basic shared accommodation with new friends is a rite of passage for many university students.

It’s not hard to understand why the idea of constant fun, newfound freedom and an absence of nagging parents is attractive to those keen to flee the nest.

But its not all sunshine and rainbows. Research by ASDA Money has revealed the top ten bugbears that drive housemates up the wall.

Some 61 per cent of 191 renters surveyed said leaving dirty dishes in the sink was their number one irritant, beating not helping with the housework into second place and eating food that doesn’t belong to them into third.

Michael Turner, Asda Money, said: “Living in a house share can be a fun and exciting time. Enjoying your own freedom, meeting new people and sharing experiences are all great elements of renting. However, it is occasionally the people we live with that can dampen the renting experience.”

Some 41 per cent of those asked complained of flatmates not replacing loo roll, milk and bread; 34 per cent took issue with marks being left on the sofa or carpet, 29 per cent weren’t happy when strangers were brought home, leaving windows open all day and all night rankled 27 per cent, lost keys annoyed 26 per cent, leaving doors on the latch or open bothered 18 per cent and leaving the water running wound up 17 per cent.

Other infuriating habits include not paying rent on time, leaving the phone bill unpaid, letting unwelcome cats into the house and the theft of underwear. Research also revealed that iPhones, iPads and laptops have fallen victim to the careless actions of flatmates.

As a result of these domestic bugbears, a third of renters have had arguments with their flatmates. As well as this, these issues can have significant financial implications. Shockingly 89 per cent renters have had to pay up to £100 from their own pocket to rectify their flatmate’s mistakes.

Mr Turner said: “We have created a bespoke home insurance product specifically aimed at renters to ensure those living with others are able to protect their belongings in an easy, affordable and simple way. Accidents are bound to happen. Our research shows housemates and their thoughtless actions have resulted in damp, running taps and damaged iPhones, iPads and laptops. This is why it is essential that all renters have their own insurance policy. Ensuring your belongings are protected will give you peace of mind and remove any possible financial horrors you incur through living with nightmare housemates.”