What questions should I ask my potential landlord before renting?

I am currently looking to shift my residence and am looking at places for rent. There is one place that I really like and suits my needs but since this is the first time I’m going to be renting a place and going through the formalities, I’m nervous about a few things. What questions should I ask my landlord before confirming a deal? Or to put it another way, what assurances shall I get from him?

Also please answer this question generally and not specific to any particular rent act/law in any country as it may not apply to me.