diff --git a/ironic_python_agent/agent.py b/ironic_python_agent/agent.py
index 819bb91c8..c4b42f76a 100644
--- a/ironic_python_agent/agent.py
+++ b/ironic_python_agent/agent.py
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ class IronicPythonAgentHeartbeater(threading.Thread):
         try:
             while True:
                 if p.poll(interval * 1000):
-                    if os.read(self.reader, 1) == 'a':
+                    if os.read(self.reader, 1).decode() == 'a':
                         break
 
                 self.do_heartbeat()
diff --git a/ironic_python_agent/tests/unit/test_agent.py b/ironic_python_agent/tests/unit/test_agent.py
index 3a9024c83..ba529bae4 100644
--- a/ironic_python_agent/tests/unit/test_agent.py
+++ b/ironic_python_agent/tests/unit/test_agent.py
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ class TestHeartbeater(ironic_agent_base.IronicAgentTest):
         expected_poll_calls.append(mock.call(1000 * 25.0))
         # Stop now
         poll_responses.append(True)
-        mock_read.return_value = 'a'
+        mock_read.return_value = b'a'
 
         # Hook it up and run it
         mock_time.side_effect = time_responses
diff --git a/releasenotes/notes/fix-agent-unable-to-stop-py3-6c210793476968d1.yaml b/releasenotes/notes/fix-agent-unable-to-stop-py3-6c210793476968d1.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..784c134fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/releasenotes/notes/fix-agent-unable-to-stop-py3-6c210793476968d1.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+fixes:
+  - Fixes an issue where the ironic-python-agent is not able to stop when
+    running with python3.x.
+