Advice to New Property Owner on Rates/Government Rent Liability

1. How do I know if my property has any outstanding Government rent owed by ex-owner?
2. I have settled my quarterly demands timely and there is no overdue amount shown on my demand. Does it mean that there is no outstanding rates or Government rent for my property?
3. If a property has outstanding Government rent owed by the ex-owner, what recovery action the Government may take and how will the current owner be affected?
4. I am going to buy a property. What should I do to protect my interest as a new owner?