The End of Fixed-Term Tenancies: What It Means for Landlords

Landlord Rental

Posted in Mar 13 , 2026

Renters rights act, renters reform act, rental law changes, landlord responsibilities, property management compliance, rental providers, investment property legislation, property management Victoria, rental market changes

rom 1 May 2026, fixed-term tenancies will be abolished under the Renters’ Rights Act, replaced by a single system of periodic tenancies across the private rented sector.

This change represents a shift in how tenancies are structured — but it does not remove a landlord’s ability to manage risk or regain possession when required.

What is changing

Under the new framework, landlords will no longer offer tenancies for a fixed period such as six or twelve months. Instead, all tenancies will:

Begin as periodic
Continue on a rolling basis
End only when the tenant gives notice or the landlord uses a valid possession ground

This removes the concept of a tenancy “automatically ending” at a fixed date.

Why fixed terms are being removed

The aim of this reform is to provide renters with greater security and flexibility, reducing the pressure associated with fixed end dates.

For landlords, this means adapting to a model that prioritises ongoing tenancy management rather than fixed expiry points.

How landlords regain possession without fixed terms

Although fixed terms are ending, landlords will still be able to regain possession using the expanded Section 8 grounds, including:

Selling the property
Moving back into the property
Persistent rent arrears
Anti-social behaviour

The difference is that possession will now be process-driven, rather than date-driven.

What this means for rental stability

A common concern is that rolling tenancies create uncertainty. In practice, stability will come from:

Strong tenant selection
Clear communication
Proactive management
Correct notice use

Well-managed periodic tenancies can be just as stable — and often longer-lasting — than fixed-term arrangements.

The risk of not adapting

Landlords who rely on fixed-term expiry as a strategy may face:

Delays in regaining possession
Incorrect notice use
Increased legal exposure

Understanding the new framework early is key to avoiding these risks.

A manageable shift with the right support

The end of fixed-term tenancies does not mean the end of landlord control. It marks a shift toward structured, compliant, and professional tenancy management.

With the right advice and systems in place, landlords can continue to operate with confidence under the new rules.

For more information feel free to reach for a personalised one to one chat with our team

Shared on social media

Comments

Latest Blogs

The Renters’ Rights Act is here – what landlords must know from today

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is officially in force — and it marks one of the biggest shifts in the UK rental market in recent years. If you own a rental property, this isn’t just a minor update.It fundamentally changes the level of responsibility placed on landlords. ⚠️ What’s Changed — And Why It Matters From today, landlords face: Stricter compliance requirementsMore documentation, tighter processes, and increased accountability. Greater tenant protectionsTenants now have stronger rights, meaning processes must be handled correctly at every stage. Higher financial penaltiesFines for non-compliance can reach up to £7,000 for issues such as failing to provide required documentation. Less margin for errorWhat may have previously been seen as a small oversight can now carry real financial and legal consequences. The Reality for landlords Managing a Rental property is no longer just about collecting rent and arranging maintenance. It now involves: Keeping up with ongoing legal updates Ensuring all documentation is issued correctly and on time Managing tenant communication in line with new regulations Maintaining clear records in case of disputes In short Landlords are now excepted to operate at a much higher standard of compliance. Where many landlords are at risk We are seeing common gaps such as Missing or outdated documentation Uncertainty around new legal requirements Lack of structured compliance systems Delays in issuing required information These may seem small, But under the new legislation, they can quickly escalate into larger issues. What this means moving forward The landscape has changed. For landlords, this means:✔ Being proactive, not reactive✔ Ensuring full compliance at all times✔ Reducing risk wherever possible How we are supporting our landlords At Anderson Knight property services, we have been preparing for these changes to ensure our landlords remain fully protected. Our focus is simple: Remove the stress Ensure compliance Protect your investment Over the coming days, we will be sharing more details on how our service is evolving to reflect these new legal requirements, and how we will continue to support you in navigating with confidence.

Renters’ Rights Act: New Anti-Discrimination Rules Every Landlord Must Know in 2026

The Renters' Rights Act 2024represents one of the biggest shifts in UK lettings law in decades What’s Changing? Key Anti-Discrimination Measures No Blanket “No DSS” Policies Landlords can no longer: Refuse applicants simply because they receive benefits. Automatically exclude Universal Credit tenants. Courts have already ruled blanket bans unlawful under equality law — the new Act strengthens enforcement. Ban on “No Children” Policies Refusing families without legitimate reason will face stronger scrutiny. You must: Assess suitability of property Justify restrictions objectively (e.g., licensing limits) 3. Pets – Harder to Refuse Under the new framework: Tenants have the right to request a pet. Landlords must provide a reasonable refusal. Pet insurance may be required instead of blanket bans. 4. Tighter Rules on Referencing & Affordability Criteria Landlords must avoid: Discriminatory affordability thresholds. Indirect discrimination against protected groups. Policies must be consistent, transparent and documented. 5. Increased Scrutiny Around Vulnerable Tenants The Act strengthens protections for: Disabled tenants Those fleeing domestic abuse Minority groups Linked to the Equality Act 2010. Risk to Landlords Who Ignore This Financial penalties Tribunal claims Repetitional damage Local authority enforcement How Anderson Knight Protects Our Clients Strong positioning section: At Anderson Knight, we’ve already: Updated our applicant screening policies Removed legacy restrictive wording Implemented compliant pet assessment procedures Trained our team on new discrimination safeguards Reviewed affordability criteria If you're unsure whether your current letting practices are compliant. Speak to our team

Pets in Rental Properties: What the Renters’ Rights Act Means for Landlords

One of the most talked-about changes under the Renters right act is the shift in how pets are treated in rental properties. At Anderson Knight, many landlords are asking: Can I still refuse pets? What if there’s damage? Do I have to say yes? Here’s what landlords need to understand. The Big Change: “Reasonable” Refusal Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse that request. This means: Blanket “no pets” policies will no longer be acceptable. Landlords must consider requests individually. Refusals must be based on legitimate, reasonable grounds. In practice, this shifts pets from being a landlord preference issue to a decision that must be justified. What Counts as a Reasonable Refusal? While guidance continues to evolve, reasonable grounds may include: The property is too small for the type of pet requested Leasehold restrictions (e.g., block management rules prohibit pets) Health and safety concerns The property is unsuitable (e.g., no outdoor space for a large dog) Simply saying “I don’t like pets” will not be sufficient. What About Damage? One of the biggest landlord concerns is property condition. Important points: The tenancy deposit cap remains (typically 5 weeks’ rent), so landlords cannot simply increase deposits because of pets. The Act allows landlords to require tenants to obtain pet damage insurance. Clear inventory reports are now more important than ever. Proper documentation and mid-term inspections will become essential. At Anderson Knight, our advice is practical and risk-based: 1. Assess Requests Case by Case Not all pets — or tenants — are equal. A well-referenced tenant with one house-trained pet is very different from multiple large animals in a small flat. 2. Protect Yourself Properly Where appropriate, require: Pet insurance cover Professional cleaning at end of tenancy Clear written consent terms 3. Update Your Tenancy Agreements Pet clauses will need to reflect the new legislation and clearly outline expectations. 4. Stay Proactive, Not Reactive Outright refusal without valid grounds could expose landlords to dispute.The Renters’ Rights Act is shifting the balance toward longer-term, stable tenancies. Allowing pets — where reasonable — can: Increase tenant retention Reduce void periods Attract a wider applicant pool Handled correctly, pets do not automatically mean higher risk — but they do require structured management. If you’d like to review your tenancy agreements or discuss how to approach pet requests safely, we’re happy to advise. Many Thanks

Search site