Most of us know by now that TV services in the UK are going digital by 2012. But if you live in a rented property, who’s responsible for paying for it? You, or your landlord? In general, the rule is the same as for other services – if you can see a socket then it’s the landlord’s responsibility to make sure it’s working.

So, if there’s a satellite dish on the side of the house, the landlord would be expected to pay for connection while it’s the tenant’s responsibility to pay the monthly subscription. If you’re in any doubt, check your tenancy agreement. And whatever you do, don’t leave it until the last minute. Speak to your landlord now to find out what their plans are.

A new protocol for mortgage lenders has just been introduced which means that lenders are not obliged to give notice to tenants about a landlord’s mortgage arrears. But, as a tenant, where exactly does that leave you?

Well, if you discover that your landlord is in arrears, you must contact the mortgage lender immediately and find out what their policy is. If you vacate the property just on the basis of a letter received from the lender and then your landlord pays all the arrears, you could find yourself liable to be sued by your landlord. If however, the lender confirms that the property is to be repossessed, try and negotiate with them and see if you can pay rent to them directly instead.

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