No, landlords cannot still use fixed-term tenancies after May 2026, following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act. In accordance with these new laws, all new and existing tenancies will become periodic (rolling) rather than fixed.
Whether you’re a landlord with existing tenancies or looking for new tenants, it is your responsibility to ensure you’re clued up on what the Renters’ Rights Act means for your tenancies.
At J Property Management London, we help landlords make sure they’re ahead of the game when it comes to changing landlord laws.
From updating tenancy agreements to ensuring full compliance and avoiding penalties, we can help you stay on top of your landlord obligations without the headache.
Contact us today to discover our personalised services for landlords.
Why Can’t Landlords Use Fixed-Term Tenancies After May 2026?
UK landlords can’t use fixed-term tenancies after May 1, 2026, when the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect.
Under the new act, all tenancies will need to be flexible, open-ended agreements, rather than specifying a fixed end date.
This is to give tenants more rights and greater flexibility. As part of these new laws, tenants are able to give two months’ notice to leave at any time of the tenancy; whereas, landlords will need to provide evidence to justify a reason for eviction.
What Happens To Landlords Who Use Fixed-Term Tenancies After May 2026?
If landlords attempt to use fixed-term tenancies after May 2026, they could face serious penalties and potentially up to £40,000 in fees.
Any existing fixed-term agreements will be automatically converted to periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026 so this will be out of the landlords’ hands. However, if they are caught trying to sign a new tenancy with a fixed end date, they could face a £7,000 (or up to £40,000 for repeat offences).
What Should Landlords Do With Existing Fixed-Term Tenancies?
Any existing tenancies (tenancies signed by all parties before 1 May 2026) will be automatically converted into periodic tenancies with no fixed end date.
This is true for any tenancies signed before 1 May 2026, even if the move-in date is afterwards.
However, there are some exceptions including lodger agreements, tenancy agreements where it’s not the tenant’s primary residence, company lets or agreements for properties where the landlord is living alongside tenants.
While the tenancies will be converted automatically, it is the landlord’s responsibility to update their existing tenants on the changes to their tenancy agreements. They must provide a government-official Information Sheet and a written statement to set out the terms of the tenancy before 31st May 2026. Failure to do so can result in penalties of up to £40,000.
What Does The End Of Fixed-Term Tenancies Mean For Landlords?
The end of fixed-term tenancies will have implications for landlords including:
Tenants Are No Longer “Locked In”
Sourcing tenants does not assure that they’ll be there for a fixed period of time (such as 6 months or 1 year), giving landlords less certainty.
Two Months’ Notice Period
Tenants will now be able to legally give two months’ notice at any time. While this gives tenants greater flexibility, it will require more strategic planning from landlords to avoid void periods in their property and loss of rental income.
Finding Good Tenants
With less flexibility to evict tenants or change tenants between fixed periods, it’s even more important to find reliable tenants for your property.
Working with a property management company like J Property Management can ensure that you find trustworthy tenants with strong references who will treat your property with care.
Contact us today to find out about how we source reliable tenants.
More Cash Flow Planning
Landlords will no longer be able to depend on fixed end dates for tenancy agreements and a guaranteed rental income for a set amount of time. This means that cash flow planning will be more important than ever.
Not only is it a good idea for landlords to keep a financial buffer to cover them in potential void periods, but they should start planning what to do in the case that a tenant leaves.
Working with the right property management company may be a necessary step if landlords are looking to source reliable tenants and minimise vacant periods in their properties.
At J Property Management, our Let Only service handles the marketing, viewings and tenant sourcing, with a promise to get tenants into your property in around 11 days so your rental income doesn’t suffer. We also offer full property management solutions if you’re looking for 24/7 support for tenants and year-round services. Contact us today to see which property management solution may be best for you and your tenants.
Prepare For Rolling Tenancies With J Property Management
With the May 2026 deadline looming, landlords should start preparing for rolling tenancies including reviewing what will happen to their existing fixed-term tenancies.
At J Property Management, we’re here to help – from drawing up watertight tenancy agreements for your new tenancies and ensuring legal compliance under the Renters’ Rights Act to offering 24/7 tenant support and helping avoid tenant disputes.
Whatever stage you’re at in preparing for rolling tenancies and other upcoming changes, we’re experts at helping landlords across London and the UK stay legally compliant and profitable.
Get in touch today to see how we can help!
