Landlords across England have just days remaining to meet a crucial deadline under new rental legislation.
Those who fail to act by Sunday, May 31 could be hit with penalties reaching £7,000.
Property owners must provide all existing tenants with the government's official information sheet outlining how the Renters' Rights Act impacts their tenancy arrangements.
This document can be delivered electronically or as a printed copy.
Elliot Castle, chief executive of Castle Property Group, has stressed that smaller landlords in particular need to understand the heightened administrative demands introduced by the Act.
Tenants currently operating under verbal agreements must also have their arrangements put into formal written contracts before the same deadline passes.
Mr Castle warned that while larger property owners with extensive portfolios have likely already addressed these administrative requirements, those running smaller operations may be caught out.
"These tasks are simple but incredibly important," he said.
"Larger landlords with big portfolios will probably have made arrangements to sort out these administrative tasks weeks ago, but some smaller landlords who manage properties alongside other careers may not yet have got to grips with their new responsibilities."
This document can be delivered electronically or as a printed copy
|GETTY
The legislation represents a significant overhaul of the private rental sector, introducing measures intended to provide tenants with improved security and stability in their housing situations.
Among the most significant reforms is the abolition of Section 21 'no fault' evictions, removing landlords' ability to force tenants out without providing a legitimate reason.
The Act has also banned the practice of rental bidding and restricts how often rent can be increased to once annually.
Landlords are now prohibited from demanding more than a single month's rent as an upfront payment.
Landlords are now prohibited from demanding more than a single month's rent as an upfront payment
| GETTYAdditional protections prevent property owners from turning away prospective tenants simply because they have children or are in receipt of benefits.
These rules took effect on May 1 and form part of a broader package designed to create fairer conditions across the rental market.
Mr Castle noted that penalties for breaching the Act's various provisions range from £7,000 up to £40,000, depending on the specific violation.
"These changes mean a huge shake-up for the whole sector and aim to make everything fairer and easier to understand," he said.
The legislation is being rolled out in stages, with further requirements due later this year
| GETTYThe legislation is being rolled out in stages, with further requirements due later this year including an online register covering all landlords and rental properties in England.
Awaab's Law will also be extended to cover private rentals, alongside new obligations to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
"It's going to be an incredibly tough time for smaller landlords as they get to grips with significant hikes in both costs and complexity," Mr Castle added.
"It's really important landlords get to grips with these changes - and fast."