Since when does having a lot of books constitute not looking after your home?

[PeaceofCakeAndGoodWineToAllMN]

This is a rant!

I was sent a letter a week ago from the agency who 'look after my house' telling me that they wanted to visit. That's fine, I look after the house, clean the carpets/arrange for the windows to be cleaned, walls are spotless etc. I don't ask them to do any repairs as they have yet to do anything that I've asked them to do apart from the boiler. I've been here for 9 years, the kitchen window doesn't close if I open it, the cupboard door was falling off so I removed it, that's about it.

Anyway. I have a lot of books. I write for a living so most are reference books and things which publishers have sent me. The books have outgrown the 3 book cases so I have three piles on the floor in the living room. It turns out that the owner of the house made a visit when I wasn't here and has complained to the agency that the house is a mess! Outside by the front door were four bags of newspapers for recycling, there's also a strip of dirt with some plants and a few (3) weeds. In the kitchen (visible as it's at the front of the house) which has 3 small tubs of nick nacks on the floor and 6/7 unwashed glasses. She must have come into the house as they commented that the rest of the house was a mess (books) and the back garden needed cutting. The back garden isn't accessible apart from through the house as there's a 6ft locked gate at the side of the house.

AIBU to think that a few piles of books doesn't make a messy house and that she had no right coming into the house when I was away? They have asked me to 'declutter' and are going to return in three weeks. AIBU to tell them to piss off?

The landlord breached the lease. She should not have a key. She certainly should not enter without giving you reasonable notice. Can't see any reason for you to object to your house if it's as described. Clutter is none of their businesss, its not going to damage the property!

A house isn't a home without books.

I would tell them you want them to pay for you to get the locks changed.

My old landlord when I was at uni would pop round when she was 'in town' to use our toilet. I wish I had had the guts to stand up to her

OP, I have only had time to read the 1st page of the thread, but the landlord has to give you 24 or possibly even 48 hours notice before they can enter and as this clearly didn't happen, s/he is in breach. I would suggest a letter along the lines another poster has outlined for you. Best of luck with sorting it.

My (thankfully now ex) social worker told me I had too many books in my house they are all on shelves.

AFAIK the LL has to give you 24 hours notice before entering the property.

Thank you, I'm reading all of your posts and am very grateful to everyone, even if I don't write your name. The agency gave me a week's notice, however, she called me a few days ago and said 'I'll see you on Friday,' whereas the letter said '5th Jan' (not Thursday 5th). The landlady must have come into the house when we were out at the cinema or when I had a hospital appointment as we were in all of the time otherwise.

and you can never have too many books.

How awful for you! This makes my blood boil
You must really be feeling horrible about it all. We had a LL a few years ago whose parents lived round the corner. I couldn't put my finger on why but I was sure that they were coming into the house when we were out. One day I put the cat out on my way to work, locked up, and she followed me halfway down the street. When I came back for lunch later I opened the front door to find her asleep on the sofa. There was no possible way that she could have got in unless somebody opened the door and DP a d I were miles away at the time. It really creeped me out so I phoned the LL and told him I was changing the locks unless he kept his parents away from us and that they were breaching our contract with him and we threatened to take legal advice. He must've had words because I never got the feeling that somebody had been in again but I never quite enjoyed the house the same again.
Hope that you get an apology of some sorts very soon !

Am sure there is nothing in your lease that says you have to keep your place tody -!! Would be v cross that they got in to the house as you are NOT allowed to do that - under the terms of most leases you must try to contact the tenant at least a few times to arrange a mutually convenient time to visit before you do that! I'd write to your letting agent saying they violated the terms of your lease and to ask where in the lease it says you have to keep things tidy! What a cheek!

Tidy not tody!

Your neighbour or someone else whose house is on the market nearby has ratted on you and mentioned the issues that are visible from the street (bags set out, blanket on DS's window).

The owner went around to check because she wants to keep on good terms with the permanent residents, make sure they report anything they perceive as problems, and she wants to be responsive.

I rent from a former neighbour from a few years ago. She had someone in two days before Christmas at short notice when the entire place was upside down and inside out as I made preparations for a crowd descending on me for the holiday. She dropped off a box of chocs and generous coffee place voucher.

There really are nicer landlords. Glad you are thinking of moving. I would make an effort to clear up some issues though, in case your next LL wants a reference. Tidy up and take some photos just in case this one decides to screw you. Do the garden. Put a nice vase of flowers here and there.

I've known my neighbours for 9 years math, they wouldn't do that (both of them have said they would repair the curtain rail but my friend beat them to it). They also don't know the owner as they have never met her. I'll take pictures once I've packed the books away.

I can't understand how books mean 'clutter' to some people. I took an instant dislike to the agent who was selling my house when she told me 'OMG that all has to go' when she looked around my sitting room lined with bookcases, all of which were full of books. I would personally prefer to buy a house stuffed with books than one without any. Hard to explain, but I would just feel more of an affinity with it...

It's stupid. Books are great. Clutter is tat that is not needed (IMO).

I agree-I would far rather buy a house stuffed with books-it gives it a lovely feel. They are not clutter!

Hmm, I'm going to have to get a reference from them. I'm going to say that I'm moving because I need the space.

she has to give 24 hours notice to visit

I know. If I'd have been in I'd have told her to piss off come back in 24 hours.

I've not heard from them about the leaky pipe. I'd have thought a pipe dripping onto the electricity and gas meter is important myself.