* sign the tenancy agreement - two copies, landlords retain one signed by tenant and tenant should have one signed by landlord;
* consider asking tenant to sign bank standing order form for rent payments, or letter of authority to the Housing Benefit office if tenant is on benefit;
* complete and agree an Inventory and Schedule of Condition (consider using professional inventory clerk, if appropriate);
* give the tenant the landlord (or agent’s) contact details for repairs and other problems. Name, address and telephone;
* notify the utility suppliers and the Local Authority (for council tax etc) of the details of the new tenant/s;
* inform the tenant/s of utility suppliers etc and read any relevant meters;
* if charging a deposit and letting on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy ensure that the deposit is protected under one of the schemes available and give the required information to tenants to confirm this;
* consider any local council schemes such as deposit guarantees;
* keep tax records of income and expenditure and if rental income exceeds (allowable) expenditure, set an amount aside to cover future tax demands. Complete a tax return ideally soon after the end of your tax year;
* provide receipts to tenant for any cash rent payments;
* keep detailed records of repair requests, inspections, safety checks, repairs done, other management issues and a rent statement.