Housing General Information

The Diocese is responsible for ensuring that clergy houses are well maintained and safe places to live. This includes periodic inspections, insurance cover, planned and reactive maintenance.

General Guidelines

Guidelines for occupants

PDF / 473 KB

An explanation of the framework in which we look after the houses, and some of the key issues. 

During a Vacancy 

An assessment is made of the condition of the house at the start of each Vacancy. It is our aim that more disruptive major works are carried out in this period. When circumstances allow, the house may be rented out. Guidance is available for Churchwardens here. 

Arriving and Leaving 

There are procedures in place to clarify expectations and help with a smooth transition in to and out of our housing. 

Insurance

All diocesan houses are insured under a block insurance policy. You are responsible for ensuring that contents are insured for the duration of your occupancy.

Inspections

The Diocese is responsible for ensuring that a quinquennial inspection is made every 5 years to plan upcoming necessary repairs and external decoration. It is also a legal requirement that gas appliances and fittings are inspected every year and electrical inspections are undertaken every 5 years and safety certificates issued. The Diocesan Property Team will arrange all of these.

Planned Maintenance

Any required maintenance identified during a quinquennial inspection will be scheduled as Priority 1, to be done within 12 months, or in accordance with the recommendations of the report and the authorisation of the Property Committee. The Diocesan Property Team will send notification of any work that is issued to contractors, and you will be contacted directly by them to arrange access to the property. Please work with them to get the work done.

Reactive Maintenance

If you find anything in your home which requires maintenance, please report this, preferably by email, to Lisa Whitley (Clergy Housing Co-ordinator) at the Diocesan Office:

You will be notified of any work that is issued to contractors who will then contact you directly to arrange access. Please work with them to get the work done as soon as possible.

Should you experience any issues related to your boiler, hot water or central heating, you can contact Robinsons directly on 01423 226578. They have a 24hr call out service – please mention that it is a Diocese of York property. 

Maintenance and Repairs guidance 

This can be found in the Housing Repairs Handbook

Housing Repairs Handbook Diocese of York

PDF / 789 KB