mate i have a couple of properties that i rent out, always make sure you have a deposit at least two months rent (this is to cover any damage), always a months rent in advance and arrange to do a property check every now and then - if they prospective tennats are decent they wont have a problem with this.
i had a set of tennants go sour last year after 6 yrs in the house, had to get them to tidy things up from time to time nothing major ,then all of a sudden they started to make an awful mess, dirty nappies hidden in the drawers, hole in doors furniture destoyed and missing.
Eviction sucks the law is all for the tennant , be careful.
Insurane sorted?
But hey i've only had one bad experience in the last 10 years!
Wine and chocs , yep always a nice gesture.