Renters' Rights 2026 - Periodic Tenancies

Renters’ Rights 2026 – A Landlord’s Guide for Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater & Somerset

Following on from Section 21 being abolished, we now discuss about Periodic Tenancies.

Periodic Tenancies – A Different Way of Thinking About Lettings

Another major change is the move toward periodic tenancies, rather than the traditional model of fixed terms followed by renewals.

On paper, this can sound unsettling to landlords because fixed terms have long been seen as the point of certainty in a tenancy. They provide a sense of structure, with clear start and end dates. Without that fixed end date, some landlords worry that tenancies may feel less secure or that tenants will come and go more frequently.

In reality, the tenancy experience is often shaped far more by the quality of the tenant, the condition of the property, the level of rent, and how responsive the management is than by the wording of the term itself. Most tenants want a stable home. If they are happy in the property, feel treated fairly, and the rent remains competitive, many will still stay for the long term.

For landlords, the focus shifts slightly. Rather than relying on the end of a fixed term as a natural review point, it becomes more important to have an ongoing strategy. That includes regular inspections, annual rent reviews, good communication, and an understanding of what keeps good tenants in place, everything which we currently offer at SJM Properties.

This can actually benefit landlords as well. A tenancy that is well managed and functioning smoothly does not always need the disruption of constant renewals. Instead, the property can continue with stability, while the landlord remains protected through good documentation and proper management procedures.

The real takeaway here is that tenant retention becomes even more valuable. A well-presented property, a responsive landlord or agent, and fair rent levels will continue to be the foundations of a successful let.

For local landlords:
Across Somerset, SJM Properties in Taunton continue to see strong demand for quality rental homes. In many cases, tenants are looking for somewhere to settle, not somewhere temporary. Periodic tenancies do not automatically mean short tenancies.

If you are unsure how this affects you as a landlord, call us on 01823 740056 or email info@sjmpropertiessw.com
to see how we can assist.