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

Landlord Rental

Posted in Mar 02 , 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

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

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

New Written Statement Requirements: What Landlords Must Provide Under the Renters’ Rights Act

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 continues to reshape the private rental sector — and one of the less talked-about (but very important) changes is the introduction of a mandatory written statement of terms. Under new section 16D of the Housing Act 1988, private landlords must provide tenants with a prescribed written statement containing specific information before a tenancy begins. At Anderson Knight, we’re advising landlords to prepare now — because this is not optional paperwork. It will be a legal requirement.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued draft regulations setting out exactly what must be included in the written statement.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued draft regulations setting out exactly what must be included in the written statement. 1. Identity and Contact Information The full name(s) of the landlord(s) The full name(s) of all tenants An address in England or Wales where tenants can serve notices on the landlord The rented property address 2. Tenancy Start and Possession Terms The date on which the tenant is entitled to occupy the property The amount of rent and how often it’s due Any tenancy deposit amount (if applicable) 3. Rent and Payment Details Clear statement of rent payable and rent period A statement that future rent increases must follow Section 13 rules (i.e., formal notice must be served) Details of any other payments payable to the landlord (e.g., utilities or bills), whether included in rent or separate, and how amounts and due dates will be communicated if not fixed amounts yet known 4. Notice Periods The minimum notice period the tenant must give when ending the tenancy A statement explaining that generally the landlord can only recover possession through a court order, specifying that a prescribed notice must be served and that the ground relied on will affect the notice period 5. Statutory Duties and Safety The written statement must explain the landlord’s statutory obligations, including: Fitness for human habitation duties Repair and maintenance responsibilities Gas safety requirements and inspection obligations Electrical safety standards and inspection requirements 6. Other Key Tenant Rights The statement must also include: The tenant’s right to request disability-related adjustments, with a note that such requests should not be unreasonably refused The tenant’s right to request permission to keep a pet, with a duty on the landlord not to refuse unreasonably If relevant, a note that the tenancy is “supported accommodation” and why this classification applies For more information contact our team we are happy to help

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