Homeowners fork out millions to pay for pet damage

Landlords worried about tenants with pets might be interested in research about pet-loving Brits who are forking out millions on DIY repairs caused by their furry friends running amok at home.

Under the Renters (Reform) Bill, landlords won’t be able to refuse a home to a tenant with a pet without good reason.

Now, research from Novuna Personal Finance highlights the financial burden being faced by homeowners – and possibly landlords soon – due to damages caused by their pets.

More than 2,000 homeowners in the UK aged between 23 and 50 were questioned and three-quarters of them have experienced pet-related damages at home.

‘Damage caused by our unruly four-legged friends’

The firm’s director of marketing, Theresa Lindsay, said: “Despite being a nation of pet lovers, the damage caused by our unruly four-legged friends is leaving an unexpected hole in homeowners’ pockets, as well as their furnishings.

“With eye watering repair bills of over £1,000 for many households it demonstrates the lengths we’ll go to keep our furry friends happy, but also the importance of planning for unexpected costs.”

The total cost of repairs has reached a staggering £627m with dogs being identified as the primary culprits, causing damage worth more than £348m.

Damage from pet cats has resulted in repair bills amounting to £279m.

Homeowners have had to deal with soiled carpets

The study also reveals that half of all homeowners have had to deal with soiled carpets and flooring damage.

A third say they have experienced chewed furniture.

Other common pet issues that owners have faced include ripped furniture, torn curtains and electrical damage.

In response to the havoc caused by pets, nearly a third of homeowners have carried out home alterations to prevent further damage.

This equates to more than 2 million homeowners making changes to their properties to keep their pets in check.