AIBU to think this is odd behaviour for a letting agent

[Monkeyface45]

I get a letter stating my 3 monthly property inspection is due (actually it's 2.5 months overdue) I don't mind this as we are a good tennant and very tidy etc. However in the letter is says they'll just drop round at some point between 9am and 6pm and not to worry about being in as they have a key. No date specified tho so I called the letting agent to ask if they had meant to put a date on the letter. She said no she just turns up and if I'm not in she will let herself in and take pics, sounding quite relaxed about it and like it is just standard practice. When they inspected us 5.5 months ago they made an appointment and I was home to show them round, which I told her. She said I could make an appointment if I preferred. I said yes I would please as it'll be good to know when you're coming, obviously so I can make the place look as nice as it can and so we're dressed etc. She sounded surprised but obliged and we have made an appointment. AIBU to be a little surprised she would have just come and let herself into my home and had a look around taking pictures without my being there...? And yes I know it's not 'my' house because we're renters bla bla it is my home and I feel that is a slight invasion of privacy.

Also am I right in thinking them holding a key to the property for emergencies etc is standard practice or is this unusual too?

[harderandharder2breathe]

Yanbu

I prefer the inspection to be done when I'm out but even then I get given a date with plenty of notice and advised how to change it if it's not suitable.

[londonrach]

Yanbu...date needed!

[DJBaggySmalls]

YANBU; they have to give at least 24 hours notice,. thats the law.

[lalalalyra]

That's a stupid policy and YANBU. It's rude to just let someone know you'll be wandering into their home - it's not just about tidying, but you might want to wander naked, have a bath or have sex on the living room floor. None of those things should be interrupted by a letting agent.

Why is she taking photographs? I've never taken photographs on an inspection. The inspection isn't a chance for her to snoop - it's to check the fabric of the building and to make sure you haven't turned the bedrooms into a weed factory - it's not a chance for her to clipe to the LL that you didn't make your bed that morning.

Having keys is standard, but they should be using them for emergencies or pre-agreed appointments, not just for letting themselves in whenever they like.

[Ciderandskatesdontmix]

Yanbu...they can't just let themselves in, unless it's an emergency. I think holding a key in case of emergencies is pretty standard, but they definitely need to make an appointment for inspections and it's up to you whether you are present or not.