that's about average rent down here.
Pop down this way mate. As BP said, that's average for a 2 up 2 down over here.
The man's a fool TH.
If he rents you the property, he is responsible for everything in it being in a fit state. If it is not and you get injured as a result of his negligence, he'll have to compensate you.
You might want to take a look at this for what landlord obligations are:
http://www.compactlaw.co.uk/free-legal-i...epair.html