These Are the Most Commonly Broken House Rules in the U.S. (2024)

Inigo Del Castillo

Inigo Del Castillo

Inigo is a content writer at Apartment Therapy and previously for Lost At E Minor. A few years ago, he wrote an article about baby bats, which was so cute, Buzzfeed took a screenshot of the headline and cover image, then made a listicle about weird but adorable things. He thought it was so cool. He enjoys books, k-pop, anime, and sports. He is based in the Philippines.

published Jan 18, 2023

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Does your roommate always forget to wash the dishes? Do your kids always fail to make their beds? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The rest of America is suffering with you.

A study by HomeAdvisor has found the most common and most violated house rules across the United States, including rules involving pets. The rule that household members break the most? In a survey of 2,200 Americans, the company discovered that putting items back in place, followed by “no interrupting” and keeping one’s room clean, are the rules people most often forget to follow.

Here’s the list of the top most broken house rules:

  1. Put things back where you found them
  2. No interrupting
  3. Keep your room clean
  4. No eating in front of the TV
  5. Turn off the lights when you leave the room
  6. Make your bed
  7. Clear your dish when you’re finished eating
  8. Knock before entering rooms

Interestingly, the study also published the most broken house rules in each state. For instance, 24 states like California, Texas, and Florida, fail to put items back in place. Nevada, meanwhile, is the only state that tends to not wash their dishes after meals the most. Tsk!

The states where house rules are broken the most

The survey also found the naughtiest and most behaved states. The worst offenders are North Carolina, where 46 percent of households disregard a rule at least daily. Others on the naughty list are Alabama (44 percent), Michigan (43 percent), and Oklahoma (43 percent).

On the other hand, states that follow the rules the most are Nevada — with only 24 percent of households not following rules — followed by Massachusetts (30 percent).

The most common house rules in America

Although every household has its own unique set of rules, there are commonalities with other homes, like turning the lights off when leaving a room. What are the house rules that Americans all try to follow? Here are the top 10:

  1. Put items back in place: 88 percent of households
  2. Share household chores: 81 percent of households
  3. Keep room clean: 80 percent of households
  4. Turn off lights leaving the room: 76 percent of households
  5. Clear dish after eating: 76 percent of households
  6. Turn off the TV when not watching: 75 percent of households
  7. No climbing on furniture: 65 percent of households
  8. Knock before entering rooms: 54 percent of households
  9. No interrupting: 50 percent of households
  10. Help set and clear the table: 47 percent of households

Unfortunately, some of the most common rules are also the most broken, leading to what 25 percent of respondents believe that such rules only increase conflict in families.

The most common house rules for pets

Let’s not forget our four-legged household members. They have to follow (or be told to follow) the rules too. Here are the most popular rules for pets at home:

  1. Don’t let pets jump on people: 58 percent of households
  2. Don’t disturb p while eating: 55 percent of households
  3. Don’t let pets inside without cleaning them: 37 percent of households
  4. No human food: 31 percent of households
  5. No pets on the bed: 20 percent of households
  6. No pets on the couch: 19 percent of households

But according to the study, “… it can be hardest to resist puppy dog eyes. That could explain why 25 percent of households with pets break their no human food rule, and nearly 20 percent break the no pets on the couch rule.” They added: “Plus, 20 percent of pet parents admit to letting their pets jump on people.”

You can read the full study over at the HomeAdvisor website.

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These Are the Most Commonly Broken House Rules in the U.S. (2024)

FAQs

These Are the Most Commonly Broken House Rules in the U.S.? ›

“Home” rule refers to the discretionary authority granted to political subdivisions. This includes the ability to decide government form, structure, functions, fiscal, and regulatory matter without being required to seek approval from the state.

What are the most common house rules? ›

Examples of common family rules:
  • No hurting. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
  • No interrupting. Wait for your turn to speak.
  • No yelling in the house. Use an inside voice when talking in the house.
  • No climbing or jumping on furniture. Sit on the couch or lie down on the bed.

What are home rules in America? ›

“Home” rule refers to the discretionary authority granted to political subdivisions. This includes the ability to decide government form, structure, functions, fiscal, and regulatory matter without being required to seek approval from the state.

What are 10 house rules? ›

The top 10 were:
  • No shoes on the sofa.
  • Always flush the toilet.
  • Take your shoes off in the house.
  • Put clothes in the wash basket.
  • Turn out the lights when you're not using a room.
  • Empty the bath when you're done.
  • Don't leave wet towels on the floor.
  • No swearing.
Jun 18, 2015

What are three house rules? ›

Don't touch the stove. Don't disturb anyone when they are on the phone. Don't run into the road.

What are 3 rules that everyone should live by? ›

There are three simple rules in life:
  • If you do not GO AFTER what you want, you'll never have it.
  • If you do not ASK, the answer will always be NO.
  • If you do not break out of your COMFORT ZONE you'll always be stuck in the same place.

What are 10 rules of community? ›

10 Effective Community Rules Examples
  • Collaboration.
  • Respect.
  • Inclusivity.
  • Safety.
  • Privacy.
  • Meaningful contributions.
Dec 20, 2023

What is home rule USA? ›

Home rule is a provision of the state constitution or similar legislation granting a local municipality a certain amount of autonomy to allocate powers between the state and the local government. If it is accepted by the local government, then it constitutes self-government.

What is the number one House rule? ›

The most common house rules in America

Here are the top 10: Put items back in place: 88 percent of households. Share household chores: 81 percent of households. Keep room clean: 80 percent of households. Turn off lights leaving the room: 76 percent of households.

Is it OK to have house rules? ›

Parents Create House Rules Because:

help you feel safe and secure both in and out of the house. help you learn how to get along with others. help you develop respect and have regard for other people. help you learn a sense of what is and is not acceptable when sharing a space with others.

What are the 7 rules for parents? ›

7 Rules for Parents to Improve Your Child's Future
  • Show Love Without Conditions. ...
  • Order up Expectations, Sans the Egotism. ...
  • More Carrot, Less Stick. ...
  • Feed Connection, Starve Reaction. ...
  • Be Playful, Ditch the Digital. ...
  • Foster Wonder, Deter Gloom. ...
  • Reward Competence, Discourage Vanity.
Jul 17, 2020

Do kids need rules? ›

Rules are just as important for teenagers as they are for younger children. Clear rules give teenagers a sense of security at a time in their lives when many other things are changing. It's never too late to create or reinforce rules for teenagers. Rules about safe behaviour are especially important.

What are examples of rules? ›

Here is a sample list of household rules.
  • Treat People and Property With Respect.
  • Knock on Closed Doors Before Entering.
  • Pick up After Yourself.
  • Electronics Curfew.
  • Make Amends When You Hurt Someone.
  • Tell the Truth.
  • Practice Good Dental and Body Hygiene.
  • Attend Family Meetings.
Oct 5, 2022

What rules should a 13 year old have? ›

It's a good idea to have a discussion with your teenagers about the rules before writing down the finalized version of the rules.
  • Stick to your curfew. ...
  • Finish your assigned chores. ...
  • Finish your homework first. ...
  • Manage your screen time. ...
  • No bullying or disrespect. ...
  • Communicate honestly and openly. ...
  • Use social media responsibly.
Sep 27, 2023

What are house rules for kids? ›

My View: House rules: Teach kids what they CAN do
  • NO yelling.
  • Listen to mom + dad – WE make the rules.
  • NO whining.
  • NO fighting.
  • Be nice to your siblings and parents.
  • No means no.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • RESPECT.
Jul 27, 2018

What is a family for kids? ›

Family is defined as a group of people consisting children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

What are special rules in the House? ›

Bills not considered on the House floor under suspension of the rules are typically considered instead under terms tailored for each particular bill. The House establishes these parameters on a case-by-case basis through the adoption of a simple House resolution called a special rule.

What 3 rules should determine how much you spend on a House? ›

Income: You can use your income as a starting point when calculating how much you want to spend on a house. Debt: Your debt and monthly expenses factor into how much you can spend on bills each month. Cash reserves: You'll need cash on-hand to pay for your down payment and closing costs.

What are the rules and regulations in the home? ›

1. House Rules
  • No smoking;
  • Keep own bedroom clean and tidy;
  • Do not cause damage to your home or other people's property;
  • Do not take things that do not belong to you;
  • Do not cause nuisance/antisocial behaviour to neighbours or in the community;
  • Do not go into any other bedroom without permission;

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