Does anyone know much about different types of tenancy agreements?

[winestein]

Basically, is there a standard one which makes the tenant responsible for, say maintenance of the central heating system etc?

Thanks!

Not as far as I know - that is normally the landlord's responsibility as maintenance and to provide the annual gas safety inspection, cost of which can be offset against incoem fro tax purposes. We had a British Gas contract to cover the servicing, safety inspection and emergencies. I expect you could have a variation written in but it is in the landlord's interest to ensure it is carried out properly and on time.

It's the landlord's resonsibility for this, it would be an unfair contract term if it were added to a contract so would be invalid. It is normal for tenants to be responsible for clearing the gutters/maintaining the garden/cleaning the windows though.

Brilliant. Thank you ladies

The posters are correct as long as your tenancy lasts less than 7 years. Sorry to be pedantic!