Renting privately

We've just agreed to rent a property privately. We rent our current house through a letting agency. I guess I'm just wondering if there's anything we should be aware of when renting privately? The situation is this: We were on our way to view a property through an agency and ended up at this woman's house by mistake. It turned out she had a place she wanted to let out and we exchanged phone numbers. We went to view it and it's perfect. She's moving in with her boyfriend and no longer has use for her own place. So far, everything seems above board and legitimate. She said she works for a solicitor and will have a 6-month contract drawn up for us. She also said she's perfectly happy for us to take a copy to a solicitor ourselves to have it looked over before we sign. All that she wants now is a deposit of 600 GBP to secure it. We've met her, know where she is currently living and everything appears ok. I just wanted to know if anyone else has rented privately in the UK and how did it work out for you? I guess I just feel a little vulnerable, especially as we're sending the check for the deposit tomorrow (ie before we get the contract). Is there anything we should make sure to do to protect our rights?

Yes I have rented like that several times, in London.  Much better than dealing with an agent.  It has always worked out ok in my experience, sometimes they can be a bit slow with repairs but then so can agents.  They are also more flexibible about dates and things when it comes to moving out.