What am I responsible for when renting?

The two main things you’re responsible for are paying your rent on time and generally treating the property well.

In a nutshell this means:

Letting the landlord know if you will have problems with any rent payments and getting some help if you are running short of money.
Trying to get on with your housemates. Fallouts and household disputes don’t get you out of paying your rent - so try to resolve any issues before people want to move out.
Report all disrepair as soon as it happens - if you don’t and it causes further damage they may try and charge you.
If you or your guests do cause any damage - be honest and either replace anything you can or contribute to the landlord’s costs for fixing it.
Do minor day to day maintenance, e.g. unblocking sinks or replacing light bulbs.
Keep the property clean on a regular basis, including the cooker, fridge and freezer, toilet, and bath/shower area.
Take the rubbish out - any problem with rats and a build up of rubbish you can be charged for.
Put your bins out (and take them back in again on bin day).
Make sure the property is secure - lock doors and windows, if you have a burglar alarm use it. If you are burgled and the property wasn’t left securely you could have a problem claiming on your insurance.
In the winter keep your heating on a low heat to prevent the pipes from freezing.