Gas/Electric/Energy landlord checks

[EColi]

My brother wants to rent my mum's house (she's not living there anymore). Mum was going to put it on the books of a letting agency who would do all the checks and a small amount of management during the let, but since dbrother would like to live there she is trying to work out if she can do the legalities without the agency fees.
How easy is it to get independent experts for the gas/electric and energy checks? Can anyone recommend any in North Essex?
And can anyone recommend a Landlord insurance provider (also something that the agency was going to organise).
TIA

Gas and electric checks can be done by the relevant certified tradesmen . Might be worth her taking out a BG maintenance contract, for example, and getting it done as part of the annual service. Not sure who would do the energy check, or if it is essential now, but local council should be able to advise. Landlord's insurance is a bit of a minefield - it may limit certain claims, such as non accidental damage if access was not forced, so be careful to read any small print. Can she ask her normal insurer as a start. The main other issues would be the tenancy agreement, inventory and deposit, and declaring her income to the tax office.