To be annoyed at letting agent

[Dodosareextinct]

Currently in the process of renting our house out as we are moving abroad for work for a year. The decorating in the kids rooms (toddlers) was quite bright but (imo) tastefully decorated and only done 6 months ago (before we realised we'd be moving). Letting agent said we would likely need to redecorate as any tenants would probably want neutral decor. However, we explicitly told them not to carry out the work until we had tenants lined up as we may find someone who had similar aged kids who wanted to keep the decor. Decor was nothing mad, it was some pastel rainbows and pink paint. The LA confirmed they wouldn't do the work. We haven't even moved our stuff out of the house properly yet and we are still using it part time until we move fully abroad in the New Year. Our plan if we can't rent it was to sell it.
We have been invoiced today for redecorating...rang the LA and it turns out they never told their decorating team who have gone in, removed all the wallpaper and painted everywhere white! I'm devastated! I know we were moving out anyway but I'd hoped we wouldn't have to redecorate and the fact someone went unto our house without our permission where a lot of our stuff is still there makes me feel uneasy.

So, is there anything we can do? I don't think we should pay the invoice but I also feel like there should be some compensation from the LAs

^ this!

I am an LA and, unless a health and safety risk is posed and agent of necessity becomes necessary to exercise for some reason they should not be carrying out any work without your express consent. Tell them you will not be paying the bill and are happy to go to the ombudsman if necessary!

is there another smaller independent agent in your area? They tend to be the best type of agency. Check they are members of The Guild of Property Professionals and/or ARLA|Propertymark.

Letting agent said we would likely need to redecorate as any tenants would probably want neutral decor
Where on earth are you living where tenants are not desperate to have a roof over their head and can make decisions based on decor (which, if newly painted and they want to change, should be at their expense and it's reasonable to request they paint it back to original colours)

However, we explicitly told them not to carry out the work until we had tenants lined up
So you actually did agree to have it done, just not yet. I think there has been a miscommunication here. Tbh I can see why the letting agent wanted to get it done now instead of rushing to get it done before a move-in date. But I assume on your end you thought they would ask/mention it again and you would be able to say yes or no further down the line

They jumped the gun but it probably needed doing to maximise the appeal. We had to redecorate before we moved back. You need to detach yourself from the property if you don't want to be fretting all year.

I'd honestly try and sell it rather than renting it out, it's going to become such a faff regaining possession of your house in the future! Especially if you are planning on returning after one year. BUT in response, it's absolutely out of order of the letting agents and I would refuse to pay and try and use another agent!