What your landlord should do for you

HERE'S WHAT TENANTS HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO EXPECT WHEN THEY RECEIVE THE KEYS. BY SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

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IF you're not yet on the property ladder, renting does have its advantages... flexibility while saving, no financial burden of a mortgage, and not having to deal with the hassle of home improvements.

On the other side of the coin, there is the stress of a rent review letter and the question of whether your landlord is on top of his maintenance responsibilities.

Here, Jonathan Rolande, property expert and commentator on the UK market, outlines what every tenant should expect as standard.

Basic, timely maintenance

"Your landlord should fix things when they break," says Jonathan. "So not in six weeks, not when it's convenient, but promptly."

Boilers that pack up in winter, leaking roofs, faulty electrics - these aren't tenant problems to endure, says Jonathan, they're landlord responsibilities to resolve.

He says too many tenants live with dodgy heating or dripping taps because they're afraid to 'bother' their landlord. "But you're paying rent for a functioning home, not a DIY project," highlights Jonathan. "If something's broken, it should be fixed by professionals."