Any lodgers or tenants of any part of the parsonage and its premises must be given notice by the outgoing priest and the latest date for leaving must coincide with the resignation/retirement date of the incumbent. The Churchwardens are responsible for the security of the parsonage house. They should retain the keys and check the parsonage house regularly for possible break-ins and for post. If possible, curtains should be kept at the windows to deter intruders, and lights switched on sporadically at night to maintain the illusion of occupancy. If the parsonage is to be empty over the winter months, central heating should be switched on at a low temperature to avoid freeze-up and burst pipes. The telephone should not be disconnected. Arrangements should be made for the telephone account to be made out on the day when the priest moves out, and another account arranged for the day of the arrival of the new priest. The same should be done for the gas and electricity supplies. If the house is unlawfully occupied, this should be reported immediately to the Police and to the Archdeacon. The Residential Property Department should be informed in writing where the key of the parsonage house may be obtained.
The London Diocesan Fund provides insurance cover for the house and modest cover for theft of fittings. This covers Employer's Liability in respect of a caretaker, gardener or casual labour such as a window cleaner and covers Third Party Liability for accidents to members of the public in connection with the house.
The Archdeacon and the Manager of the Diocesan Residential Property Department may inspect the parsonage house before or during the vacancy to assess vacancy works needed. If it is thought necessary for the sake of security to have a caretaker living in the parsonage, this must be arranged in consultation with the Archdeacon and the Residential Property Department of the Diocese (Mr Michael Lewis will advise on this - telephone number 020 7932 1209).
When an appointment has been made, the new Priest will look over the house with the Archdeacon and the Churchwardens, to decide what decorations are required before he or she moves into the house. The PCC is usually expected to contribute to the cost of interior decoration. No work should be done in the parsonage during the vacancy without reference to the Residential Property Department and the Archdeacon.
When a vacancy occurs because of the death of the priest, a widow or widower is entitled to remain in the parsonage house for at least three months.
