Date Published 12 January 2026
If you're a landlord in Poole, you've probably heard plenty of noise about the Renters' Rights Act — but one change in particular is catching a lot of landlords off guard: the end of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) as we know them.
Let's break it down simply, without the legal waffle.
Fixed-term ASTs are going… overnight
When the Renters' Rights Act comes into force, all fixed-term ASTs will automatically convert to periodic (rolling) tenancies.
That includes:
Existing tenancies a
And even new fixed-term tenancies signed before the Act starts
So, for example:
If you sign a three-year tenancy in April 2026, and the Act begins on 1 May 2026, that tenancy would instantly lose its fixed term and become a periodic tenancy from day one of the new law.
No choice. No opt-out. No 'grandfathering' of older agreements.
Why is the government doing this?
The government says the change is designed to:
Increase tenant security
Allow tenants to challenge poor conditions
Remove fear of retaliatory eviction.
In theory, it's about improving standards across the private rented sector.
But here's the twist… tenants actually like fixed terms.
Interestingly, industry data tells a slightly different story.
Research from Goodlord shows that:
52% of tenants prefer fixed-term, renewable agreements
. Only 30% prefer rolling, open-ended tenancies.
In practice, many tenants value:
Certainty over rent.
Stability for families and schools.
Knowing they won't be asked to move unexpectedly
. Which means this change could create new challenges for landlords and tenants alike if not managed properly.
What does this mean for Poole landlords?
In real terms, landlords will need to:
Rethink how they structure tenancies.
Understand new notice rules and grounds for possession
. Ensure rent reviews and property standards are watertight
.
Communicate clearly with tenants to maintain long-term stability.
This is exactly where good local letting agents will make the difference.
Why having the right letting agent matters more than ever
. With fixed terms disappearing, landlords won't be able to rely on 'wait until the end of the tenancy' strategies anymore. Ongoing management, compliance, and relationship-building will be key.
At Lewis Dean Letting, we're already:
Preparing Poole landlords for the switch to periodic tenancies.
Updating documentation and processes ahead of time.
Advising on how to keep tenancies stable and profitable under the new rules
.
Acting as a buffer between landlords and tenants when legislation gets messy
Our advice? Don't wait until the law lands.
The biggest risk we're seeing is landlords doing nothing and hoping it'll all 'settle down'.
It won't.
The landlords who come out strongest will be the ones who:
Understand the changes early
. Adjust their strategy now
. Have a pro active, compliant letting agent in their corner.
If you're a landlord in Poole and want to know how the Renters' Rights Act will affect your property specifically, we're always happy to have a no-pressure chat.
Sometimes, a 10-minute conversation now can save months of stress later...... 01202 621900
