Parsonage Houses - Repairs - Vacation

16. Vacation of Property

When an occupier leaves a property the following procedures are followed:

1. Gas and electricity meters should be read for the appropriate authority and bills for new supplies, up until the departure date, forwarded to the new address. Supplies should then be transferred to the name of the Churchwardens (for parochial property) or the Diocese.
   The telephone company should also be informed and arrangements for the payment of outstanding charges made: the telephone must NOT be disconnected and the number must be retained unchanged.
   [There are special arrangements for the payments of all charges at parsonage houses, during the vacancy, under the sequestration procedures.]
2. On vacating, occupiers should leave the property cleared of all their belongings and in a clean and tidy condition.
3. Water must be turned off at the mains and, during the winter months (end of October to the beginning of May), the heating system either is to be drained down or the house should be heated to a minimum temperature of 10°C, with the heating controls set on constant.
4. While the property is empty it is important to maintain it so that it appears lived in; all locks, bolts and protective security devices should be put in operation and it should be regularly inspected. It is sometimes wise, also, to inform the local police of the situation.
5. During a long vacancy, it is sometimes advisable to have the house occupied by caretakers - particularly, when the property is located in a vulnerable area. Caretakers should only be allowed into the property under proper terms of occupation and after consulting both the Archdeacon and the Department.