Do not advertise a property before obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC lasts for 10 years and it is illegal to advertise a property if you do not have one which is in date or before you have booked a surveyor to come and give your property an energy rating and issue an EPC.
Do not forget to carry out an annual gas safety check. All gas appliances and flues in rental properties must be checked by a registered gas safe engineer at least every 12 months.
Do not forget to make sure you have working smoke detectors on each floor at the start of every tenancy together with CO2 monitors by all solid fuel appliances.
Do not forget to register your tenants deposit with a government-approved protection scheme.