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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Agent telling me to do washing up...

299 replies

PercyPigfangirl · 22/02/2023 20:29

Advice please. Had flat inspection today, I was not able to attend due to work however ensured flat was generally tidy. Hoovered etc. Had a few friends for dinner last night so there was some plates and cookery things by the sink for washing.

I've been emailed by the agent saying they want to talk to me as concerned about the cleanliness of the flat. I asked them to be more precise and they said the amount of washing that needs doing in the kitchen.

This was something I was not thinking would be any issue... Having some washing by the sink. I admit there was quite a bit due to having friends around but surely I am entitled to reasonable enjoyment of the property and having dishes to be cleaned has nothing to do with them. I would understand if it was something that could damage the property or a dirtiness issue.. but that flat was overall tidy. Don't know how to respond to them and if I've been entirely unreasonable here by not doing it?

OP posts:
thewinterwitch · 23/02/2023 08:33

There are some incredibly naive, life-experience-lacking, and/or complacent people in the world. It explains all the phones on in cinemas.

FrostyFifi · 23/02/2023 08:37

I'm so grateful that I no longer rent.
When I was at boarding school the prefects would inspect our cupboards for tidiness, as an adult it's violating and humiliating.

BitOutOfPractice · 23/02/2023 08:37

You cannot fathom why dishes weren’t washed @Onnabugeisha ? Really? How odd!

I wash up same night 95% of the time but I can, off the top of my head, fathom about 15 reasons why I or the OP might not. What an absolutely ridiculous thing to say.

OP I agree with the PP who said agents often have their own agenda. Just roll your eyes and ignore it. No answer is the best answer or, possibly something passive aggressive like “thanks so much for your invaluable feedback” if it makes you feel better.

Original poster
PercyPigfangirl · 23/02/2023 08:39

Thanks for everyone's replies. I legit thought the inspection was for overall condition of property, to ensure there were no damages and that the property was in good order etc. If I left the tenancy and moved out it genuinely would be no different than when I moved in...
I am getting the people saying worried about vermin etc, HOWEVER the plates were all in the sink full of water and pans on side filled with soapy water left to soak overnight.. no food left out. I've had inspections before at other properties and there's never been any issues like this.
Still not really sure how to respond to them?

OP posts:
Emotionalsupportviper · 23/02/2023 08:41

Onnabugeisha · 22/02/2023 20:41

I know legally you are right, but I cannot fathom why last nights dishes were not washed last night. To me, that isn’t “generally tidy.”

It sounds like the landlord feels the same way and the reality is that legally the landlord can also just send you an S21 to evict you for no reason at all.

So, it doesn’t matter that you are right, if you get into a pissing match with your landlord (vis a vis the agent), you may lose your home.

So, I would advise taking a conciliatory tone and just say it was a one off dinner party and usually all dishes are washed the same day they are dirtied.

I know legally you are right, but I cannot fathom why last nights dishes were not washed last night. To me, that isn’t “generally tidy.”

Really?

You've NEVER let ANY dishes after a late night entertaining friends? Really?

I have, when it's been late and I've wanted to get to bed for work the next day. And I've done them when I've come in that evening.

Or should OP have handed her guests a pair or rubber gloves and a tea towel and hustled them to the kitchen sink before she waved them off?

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 23/02/2023 08:41

Onnabugeisha · 22/02/2023 20:41

I know legally you are right, but I cannot fathom why last nights dishes were not washed last night. To me, that isn’t “generally tidy.”

It sounds like the landlord feels the same way and the reality is that legally the landlord can also just send you an S21 to evict you for no reason at all.

So, it doesn’t matter that you are right, if you get into a pissing match with your landlord (vis a vis the agent), you may lose your home.

So, I would advise taking a conciliatory tone and just say it was a one off dinner party and usually all dishes are washed the same day they are dirtied.

I agree.

PaulaPaola · 23/02/2023 08:41

If you are ok about leaving used dishes out on the side when you know that you've got a flat inspection taking place that day, I'm ready to bet that you do the same even more frequently when you don't.

Leaving food and scraps lying around is well known to attract pests, so I don't blame the agent for ticking you off to be honest.

Onnabugeisha · 23/02/2023 08:42

Emotionalsupportviper · 23/02/2023 08:41

I know legally you are right, but I cannot fathom why last nights dishes were not washed last night. To me, that isn’t “generally tidy.”

Really?

You've NEVER let ANY dishes after a late night entertaining friends? Really?

I have, when it's been late and I've wanted to get to bed for work the next day. And I've done them when I've come in that evening.

Or should OP have handed her guests a pair or rubber gloves and a tea towel and hustled them to the kitchen sink before she waved them off?

Show quote history

Not left for an inspection day. No never. It’s legit too risky in the current private rental sector environment for a tenant to do that.

thewinterwitch · 23/02/2023 08:44

Onnabugeisha · 22/02/2023 20:41

I know legally you are right, but I cannot fathom why last nights dishes were not washed last night. To me, that isn’t “generally tidy.”

It sounds like the landlord feels the same way and the reality is that legally the landlord can also just send you an S21 to evict you for no reason at all.

So, it doesn’t matter that you are right, if you get into a pissing match with your landlord (vis a vis the agent), you may lose your home.

So, I would advise taking a conciliatory tone and just say it was a one off dinner party and usually all dishes are washed the same day they are dirtied.

This. Now is not the time to defiantly "stick it to the man".

Asian · 23/02/2023 08:46

I have also heard bizarre comments from my agent eg: I had guests over and she was sarcastic by saying, wondering how many children you have, I see one in each room. I have decided never ever to rent a house on sale. It is just l causes lack of peace.

ChildcareIsBroken · 23/02/2023 08:48

Ohreallyreally · 23/02/2023 07:05

Give over 😂

I regularly leave my dishes until the next day and have never experience pests, and I live next to a woodland where all those pests naturally live 😂

Having 6/8 plates, knifes, forks and a few pans will not give you pests it's hardly a bags of food waste which has been fermenting for weeks 😂

Show quote history

I didn't mean leaving them overnight. But the agent wouldn't know how long they've been left, so I think it's ok to flag it up just in case. I think most people wouldn't leave lots of dirty dishes knowing there's an inspection coming, so I think it's ok to check with the tenants.

Emotionalsupportviper · 23/02/2023 08:50

Onnabugeisha · 23/02/2023 08:42

Not left for an inspection day. No never. It’s legit too risky in the current private rental sector environment for a tenant to do that.

Show quote history

I hadn't thought of it like that - I would possibly still have left them, but put a note beside the sink explaining why they were left.

I do agree though that I wouldn't get on my high horse with the agents about it - I'd ring and apologise and explain why. Conciliation over confrontation any time.

ChildcareIsBroken · 23/02/2023 08:50

Onnabugeisha · 23/02/2023 08:42

Not left for an inspection day. No never. It’s legit too risky in the current private rental sector environment for a tenant to do that.

Show quote history

100%

Walkinginthesand · 23/02/2023 08:51

thewinterwitch · 23/02/2023 08:44

This. Now is not the time to defiantly "stick it to the man".

Show quote history

Totally agree … unfortunately

Onnabugeisha · 23/02/2023 08:51

ChildcareIsBroken · 23/02/2023 08:48

I didn't mean leaving them overnight. But the agent wouldn't know how long they've been left, so I think it's ok to flag it up just in case. I think most people wouldn't leave lots of dirty dishes knowing there's an inspection coming, so I think it's ok to check with the tenants.

Show quote history

Exactly, all the agent sees are several days worth of dishes for the #occupants all swimming in ice cold soapy water entirely filling the sink and a collection of pots and pans also with cold soapy water littering the counter top.

They can’t ignore it.

DivorcedAndDelighted · 23/02/2023 08:52

Another landlord here. I also wouldn't care about dirty dishes and I can't see why any reasonable LL would, but maybe the agent is just trying to justify his job by busybodying. Maybe reply saying you're surprised at that request and can they clarify whether the owner specifically has asked about this, or whether it's the agent's opinion?
The landlord will not want to evict you over this. Changing tenants is expensive and troublesome for landlords as well as for tenants. The advice on landlord forums is always, always to keep a tenant who is semi-reasonable, unless you need to eg have intrusive work done on the property or want to sell it. S21s don't require a "reason" but they're often used instead of alternative methods when the tenant is not paying or causing a nuisance just because it's quicker and cheaper.
The only time I've ever asked an agent to speak to a tenant about housekeeping has been when the paint finish/ grout etc was likely to be damaged eg a bathroom which looked like it hadn't been cleaned for many months & orange slime mould was starting to grow.

Emotionalsupportviper · 23/02/2023 08:54

thewinterwitch · 23/02/2023 08:06

Yes. That is what ovens are for!

GrinGrinGrin

MarkWithaC · 23/02/2023 08:54

First of all, those judging how often the OP washes up can fuck off.

OP, I'd go for a robust response, by email so there's a trail. I like Iam4eels's suggestion. Definitely including that they no longer have your permission to enter the property without you being present.

MarkWithaC · 23/02/2023 08:55

Maybe reply saying you're surprised at that request and can they clarify whether the owner specifically has asked about this, or whether it's the agent's opinion?

I like that!

MarkWithaC · 23/02/2023 08:56

Onnabugeisha · 23/02/2023 08:51

Exactly, all the agent sees are several days worth of dishes for the #occupants all swimming in ice cold soapy water entirely filling the sink and a collection of pots and pans also with cold soapy water littering the counter top.

They can’t ignore it.

Show quote history

Why can they not ignore it?

Emotionalsupportviper · 23/02/2023 09:00

Morestrangethings · 22/02/2023 23:35

👍good for you!

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Perhaps it's my extraordinary cooking, but passionate sex often follows and who wants to follow that up with marigolds and fairy liquid?

Oh - I dunno . . .

I can think of Tory MPs who'd probably pay good money for that experience . . . Wink

Onnabugeisha · 23/02/2023 09:02

MarkWithaC · 23/02/2023 08:56

Why can they not ignore it?

Show quote history

It’s a red flag 🚩

skyfalldown · 23/02/2023 09:02

I rent and guess what - I didn't even clean the place for my last inspection. Didn't think to and why would I? LL is looking for damage, not cleanliness, and frankly I couldn't give less of a shit about how they think I live.

You're completely in the right, OP. Personally, I wouldn't even bother to respond, or if I did, it would be a curt 'the state of my dishes are none of your business'

Morestrangethings · 23/02/2023 09:02

I think the agents can ignore dirty dishes and pots obviously soaking in readiness to be washed, when the rest of the place is clean. It doesn’t take a giant mental leap to think ‘guests last night.’ If the whole place looked like a tip then they could reasonably come to another conclusion.

SproutsAndBaubles · 23/02/2023 09:03

ComeTheFckOnBridget · 22/02/2023 21:59

I cannot fathom why last nights dishes

@Onnabugeisha you cannot fathom??

Perhaps it's my extraordinary cooking, but passionate sex often follows and who wants to follow that up with marigolds and fairy liquid?

Witty posts like this that make me snort into my coffee are the reason why I cannot kick my Mumsnet habit!