The single most important household rule that should NEVER be broken (and it's not forgetting to put the toilet seat down)

A study of 2,000 Brits has revealed which rules are considered to be the most important to abide by when living in a household. 

The research, commissioned by Smart Energy GB and conducted by Perspectus Global, showed that the cost of living crisis and environmental factors played a part in household concerns.

A resounding 97 per cent of those surveyed believe it is important to have rules in the home, while a further 98 per cent agreed that it is vital to define the boundaries of what is acceptable.

In fact, financial pressures such as rising energy prices have resulted in 89 per cent believing that more energy saving house rules have been introduced - with nearly half (48 per cent) implementing their own rules to be energy efficient.

Three quarters (77 per cent) believe that house rules help their homes to run smoothly, while two thirds (66 per cent) have introduced directives so that everyone knows what is acceptable.

A study of 2,000 Brits has revealed which rules are considered to be the most important to abide by when living in a household

Overall, the survey found that always turning the lights off after leaving a room was the most important house rule, chosen by 63 per cent of Brits.

This was followed by putting plastic, cardboard and glass in the recycling bin - chosen by 59 per cent - while never wasting food was selected by more than half the individuals asked (56 per cent)

Limiting arguments, encouraging people to take responsibility for the running of the home, helping to set expectations and encouraging people to think about costs were found to be other key reasons for introducing house rules.

One in four (26 per cent) wanted to get the people in their household thinking about the environment and the impact their decisions make on the world.

When it comes to whether you own or rent your house, the priorities for house rules can vary.

The data showed that homeowners want lights to be turned off when leaving a room (69 per cent), no food waste (58 per cent), shoes off at the front door (53 per cent), no screens at the dinner table (41 per cent) and electrical items turned off at the plug (36 per cent) to save cash.

Meanwhile, renters want the members of their household to always put plastics and cardboard in the recycling (55 per cent), not turn the thermostat up without asking (27 per cent), only boil the water they need it (23 per cent) and only put the dishwasher on when it's full (19 per cent).

Victoria Bacon, Smart Energy GB, said: 'It's clear from the research that house rules have an important place in a modern home, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis rumbling on and many people conscious of taking steps to keep bills down.

'There are several changes you can make at no additional cost, like requesting a smart meter from your energy supplier, which are simple to do and effective at helping to put you in control of your energy use and keep your bills down. 

Overall, the survey found that always turning the lights off after leaving a room was the most important house rule, chosen by 63 per cent of Brits

'If you rent and the energy bill is in your name, you can ask your energy supplier to fit a smart meter, but it's recommended that you tell your landlord before you get one. If your landlord pays the bills, ask them if they would be happy to arrange the upgrade.'

Two thirds (69 per cent) of the 2,000 people across the UK surveyed say that their parents had house rules when they were young, with one in four (24 per cent) imposing the same rules in their homes.

Teenagers (28 per cent) and children under 12 (27 per cent) are the most likely to break house rules, with one in ten (11 per cent) parents admitting that they are the ones who break rules in their house.

Nine in ten (90 per cent) admit that it irritates them when someone breaks a house rule, resulting in an average of five arguments a week.

Despite this, over a third (38 per cent) have broken a friend or family member's house rule when visiting their home.