Some advice please.

FireWyrm

Personally, if they're going to invade your privacy like that, I'd want copies for MY records thank you very much.

We were inspected quarterly, but at no time were photos taken and I think I would be objected as it is an invasion of privacy without a doubt.

I think I might be inclined to write to the LA pointing out that your right to quiet enjoyment trumps their right to inspect and although you have allowed photos this time, you do not expect them to be taken more often than annually.

Werdnal

TBH I cannot actually see the point in regular inspection during the tenancy, as it is the condition the property is returned it that matters to me as a landlord.

Obviously, if tenant was cultivating cannabis or trashing the place, it would give me grounds to start eviction/legal action, but unmade beds, dirty dishes in the sink and a carpet that hasn't see the hoover in a few days is nothing. Tenants have a right to live how they choose, and agents are probably just trying to justify their commission by providing a pro-active inspection service to the LL!

Fire_Fox

You don't need to renew the tenancy and pay silly letting agent fees, when your fixed term expires you will automatically go onto a statutory periodic tenancy. Any landlord who serves you notice to quit (two months coinciding with a rent period in an SPT) for refusing photos when you are a regular payer and have passed the inspection is an idiot. They would then have to pay the agents a finders fee for new tenants, and possibly have a gap between tenants with no rent since you don't have to permit viewings. The letting agent should never serve a notice to quit without specific instruction from the landlord.