AIBU About my landlord ?

[YeahJackie]

I moved into a flat two months ago and plan to live here for a good few years. I’ve got my first flat inspection coming up and the letting agency has instructed me they’ll be taking pictures of every room, and they’ll do this four times a year and send the pics to the landlord.

Not only do I find this a bit strange but I took this flat unfurnished and so everything inside it bar the white goods is mine.

I don’t see the reason for this and they are acting like I’m insane for objecting to this. My lease does not include any reference to photos being taken but the letting agency are saying I was told at some point when I took the flat (which I don’t remember but seeing as how it’s not written down anywhere or in my lease I’m not sure it’s relevant)

But, I’m prepared to accept I’m being unreasonable if this is a perfectly normal thing for them to do and I’m just unused to it

What say ye?

They have NO right to do ANY inspection, whatever it says in the contract.
How long do you intend to stay there? I only ask because if you do refuse this, and annoy the landlord, they may give you notice at the end of your lease. If you're not bothered, then tell them they have no right of access, unless in an emergency.
I am a former landlord.

No don't agree to this. A friend did and it led to lots of contact from the agency asking for stupid things like "can you move the sofa further away from the wall?" To stop a mark (sofa wasn't against the wall.) "Can you not leave the coffee machine on the work surfaces incase it malfunctions and causes a water stain?" Or "Can you get a basket to place your toiletries in incase they damage the tiles?

It became a weekly occurrence, she eventually told them that was what her deposit was for and she was entitled to quiet enjoyment. They only stopped when she started asking the agency about other houses to move to.

Thanks again all.

I’m waiting to hear back from the letting agency still, however I’ve run my tenancy agreement past a solicitor who has confirmed they have no legal right to take photos for no good reason (and if they wanted to photograph damage or problem areas of mould or something I’d be quite happy to consent) so I’m going to stand my ground.

I’ll let you know how it goes - I’m in a position where I can move easily if I need to but I’m not going to let them bully me out of a flat that I love - my solicitor said they can only evict me if I breach the tenancy agreement and the agreement doesn’t mention consenting to photos so they should have no legal grounds.

I am a property manager and have been for 10 years. Four visits in a year is very intrusive and taking pictures when it was let unfurnished is silly. Some Landlords are very protective of their properties. I had a landlord recently who would check the garden at his property weekly until I told him he really mustn't! He would also let him self in the back gate unannounced 🤦. Legally you should be left to have "quiet enjoyment of the property". Four inspections annually with pictures is tinkering on the edge of this (in my opinion). I do six monthly inspections but with some long term tenants who I trust to report repairs and I know look after the property I visit annually.

My last rental place they came every three fucking months and it did my head in. This time, I think it's every six months (different agent but the agent is the landlord this time). I find that people who rent their own homes out are the worst.

Thanks you guys. It’s nice to know I’m not just being a princess. I’m not thrilled about quarterly inspections but the place is immaculate and I’ve nothing to hide - so I’ll deal with it.

The letting agent still has not replied to me about it all, but I feel better now my solicitor has given me some reassurance.