When you are renting, your landlord is responsible for most repairs that are required in your home. As a tenant, you are required to maintain your home to a reasonable level - but you don't need to leave it in a better condition than when you moved in.
This means looking for your home by keeping it reasonably clean, making sure it is ventilated to help avoid condensation and minor maintenance like changing light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries. You should also do safety checks on any electrical appliances you own and keep gardens or outside areas in a reasonable state.
When it comes to responsibility for repairs, there are certain things your landlord must always fix - whether they are a private landlord, council and housing association, according to housing charity Shelter. You can take action if they refuse - and could be even entitled to compensation.
