Hygiene and noise '˜most annoying' habits of Leeds flatmates

The research also reveals they spend almost 1.36 hours each year cleaning up after the people they live with, with cleaning causing the most arguments amongst flatmates.

The study, commissioned by specialist energy provider for the lettings sector, Spark Energy, shows that hygiene and cleanliness are people’s biggest gripe when living in shared accommodation.

Around 9 in 10 renters spend time cleaning up after their flatmate and if someone is to rent for five years, they’ll waste almost one and a half hours tidying up after other people.

Indeed, cleaning was the topic most likely to cause arguments.

Noisy flatmates are another bugbear for people living in rented accommodation, listed as the second biggest cause of fights and a particularly unpopular habit.

Other shock findings reveal that tenants fork out an average of £487.24 each year replacing food their flatmates have eaten and £[xxx] covering utility bills.

Almost 60 per cent of respondents had been forced to bail out their room-mates when they couldn’t make rent payments while 10 per cent confessed they don’t really know the people they live with.

The study comes as Spark Energy, the leading supplier of energy for the lettings sector, launches a nationwide hunt for Britain’s Favourite Flatmate (BFF), asking tenants to nominate roommates who have excelled in their role as a household companion.

Chris Gauld, Spark Energy’s chief executive officer said: “There are around 9 million rental households across the UK and many of those are made up of housemates or flatmates sharing.

“As the leading energy supplier for tenants, this survey gives us an interesting glimpse into the lives of our customers and helps us get to know them a little better.”