When you rent a property in the UK you will sign a Contract or Rental Agreement. This is a legally binding document and will advise you of the roles and responsibilities of both yourself and the landlord.

You must read your Contract or Tenancy Agreement fully and understand it before you sign. By signing this document you are agreeing to adhere to everything stated.

In the contract there will be a section about your landlord's responsibilities. This will cover such legal requirements as:

- Annual Gas Safety Certificate for all the gas appliances in your property - this must be carried out by a CORGI Registered Gas Engineer.
- Electrical appliances safety inspection for the property - this should be carried out by a qualified electrician before you move into a property.
- Provision of smoke alarms in full working order - ideally you will have two fitted (one on the landing and one in the hallway or room next to the kitchen). It is your responsibility to check the test button weekly on your smoke alarm to confirm it is working.
- The property must not be damp, it must have adequate heating, water and sewerage and be in a good, safe condition.