This Is The One Thing You Should Always Check For Before Signing A Lease

You've trawled through the renting sites, viewed more apartments in one week than you ever thought possible, and finally found a new place to call home. It's tastefully decorated, close to the bus stop, and roomy enough that you and yours won't be completely squished on top of each other when you're catching up on the mid-week movie. Sounds perfect, right? Well... There's one seriously important thing all homeowners and renters should check for before signing on the dotted line.

And it's known as "the silent killer"...

You can't smell it or even see it, but did you know that Carbon Monoxide is something you need to be seriously aware of when moving into a new home? Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is on hand however, to give you all the important info you need on making sure your home, and your family, are safe and sound. All adults (yes, you're officially an adult now!), should be aware of the dangers, causes, signs, symptoms and preventative measures for Carbon Monoxide.

Here's what you should be looking out for before signing any lease...

• Ensure the appliances are correctly installed and have been recently serviced
• Ensure that rooms in your home containing heating appliances are properly ventilated - NEVER block vents
• Make sure all chimneys have been regularly swept and kept clear
• Check that appliances are used only for the purpose for which they were designed, e.g. do not use a cooker to heat a room
• If alterations were made to your home (e.g. adding an extension, converting a garage, removing internal walls, changing a living room into a bedroom, double glazing / weather sealed doors) check that:
  • Nothing blocks or was built around any existing air vents or flues
  • If additional radiators were added ensure that your boiler can cope with the additional capacity
• Use Carbon Monoxide alarms but remember these are no substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys. Check that the Carbon Monoxide alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard.

Here's the best place to put your Carbon Monoxide alarm...

Whether you're moving into a new place or know someone who is, we all should all be getting to grips with Carbon Monoxide awareness. The simple safety precautions don't even take long to check, but are well, well worth it. You won't regret it.