Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PROPERTY COMMITTEE
The Parsonage House Handbook
CONTENTS
D1. Introduction: The Role of the Parsonages Board
D2. The Condition Survey
D3. How you can help us
D4. Inspections, Repairs and Improvements
D5. The Parsonages Maintenance Staff
D6. Urgent Work
D7. A checklist of help
D8. A–Z
D9. Contacting Us
NOTE: The procedures outlined apply equally to the freehold properties owned by the
Diocesan Board of Finance which, although not subject to the Repair of Benefice
Buildings Measure 1972, are, nevertheless, administered by the Diocesan Parsonages
and Property Committee.
D1. INTRODUCTION
D1.1 Why have I got this guide, is it just another thing to read?
This guide is to help you. You have received it, because the property you (will) occupy
comes under the oversight of the Diocesan Parsonages and Property Committee (DPPC).
We work in partnership with the parish and with you. The Committee makes and applies
policy relating to housing, so that all have equal and fair treatment. If you need to consult
the Committee, please contact the Property Administrator of the Parsonages and Property
Committee, at the Diocesan Office.
D1.2 So who needs to read this guide?
In short, all those who live in Diocesan housing. Even if you live in a parish house, (one
the PCC looks after) this guide might help you and the parish, or it may just be a useful
source of information. We would encourage you to discuss this document with your PCC.
Deanery representatives to the Parsonages Board, as well as the other members of the
Board are happy to talk to you about the role of the Board, and the part we need you to
play in the provision of housing in the Diocese of Portsmouth.
(c) Major future repairs such as re-roofing for which the Board will be required to make
substantial capital provision.
The repairs specified under (a) make up the list of dilapidations. They refer only to the
fabric of the house (including kitchens and bathrooms), outbuildings and to the upkeep of
drives and fences. Internal decoration, which is the responsibility of you and the parish, is
dealt with later in this guide.
When vacancies begin, there is an inspection after the previous tenant has left. This is
often the ideal time for major works to be undertaken. This is now the major inspection of
parsonages and DBF properties, so that we can try to minimise the amount of work that
occupants and their families may have to cope with. Wherever possible, we try to carry
out urgent works first. We try therefore to make priorities by need and urgency, but like
any property manager, we can only work within the timeframes that our contractors
specify.
You should make the house available to the Surveyor when he contacts you to arrange to
visit for an inspection.
You should clearly point out any major problems you have noticed, or any work that is
outstanding.
Please do not confront the Surveyor with a shopping list of things you might like, but do
point out if something, in your opinion really needs to be done.
Please remember that we try to treat all occupants of property the same. We authorise
work that needs to be done. Wherever possible, extra work will be considered, but cannot
be guaranteed. If there are ‘extras’ that you or the PCC are prepared to pay for, please
mention this to the surveyor.
If the board has a very large weight of demands in one year, we may have to spread work
into the next or subsequent financial years. Like any family, we can only use what is in our
budget.
D4.1.1 Environmental Policy
It is the policy of the Diocesan Parsonages and Property Committee that the Diocesan
Surveyors include an assessment of basic environmental issues regarding all properties
at their Quinquennial inspection. This should include observations regarding: -
a. Level of loft insulation to ensure that all properties are insulated to current standards
set by Building Regulations.
b. Condition of windows – in particular noting any property that would benefit from
replacement windows or installation of secondary glazing.
c. Age and condition of central heating boiler and efficiency of heating system.
A similar assessment will also be undertaken at any Vacancy inspection.
The Committee has as its goal, wherever appropriate and possible within budgetary
constraints, to provide replacement double glazed windows under the Marshalls’ Charity
grant scheme.
The Committee’s policy is that any central heating boiler which reaches the end of its
useful life will be replaced with an energy-efficient alternative. Where budgetary
constraints allow, thermostatically controlled radiators should be provided.
The Committee recognises the importance of continually monitoring and responding to the
emergence of new technology in this field.
The Committee also recognises that it has a role to play in supporting and encouraging
occupants of properties to employ other environmentally friendly practices such as the use
of low energy light bulbs and energy efficient appliances and will therefore undertake to
explore options for “bulk purchase” schemes where appropriate.
D4.1.3 Tree Inspection Policy
It is the policy of the Diocesan Parsonages and Property Committee that the Diocesan
Surveyors include an assessment of the condition of trees in the gardens of all properties
at their Quinquennial inspection.
Any trees that give cause for concern should be noted and the approval of the Committee
for the employment of a qualified tree surgeon sought as part of the Quinquennial works.
A similar assessment will also be undertaken at any Vacancy inspection.
The Committee does, however, wish to stress the responsibility of occupants of properties
to ensure that the Secretary is informed immediately of any trees which give cause for
concern in the interim period between inspections in order that appropriate remedial
action can be instigated.
Look at the trees in your garden for defects - Spring and after high winds and gales
Check the central heating header tank is full and the ball valve free to move.
Arrange through the Property Administrator for the central heating boiler to be serviced
under the Diocesan service contract.
Ensure insulation in the roof space has not been disturbed and pipe lagging is in place -
Autumn.
Clear rainwater disposal system - Autumn.
Put the property maintenance on the PCC agenda.
TWICE A YEAR:
Walk round the house during or after heavy rain to check that rainwater is not overspilling
or running down the walls from defective gutters or blocked downpipes.
Check the electrical plugs on your appliances are safe (see Note 2).
Clean out extractor fans.
Kill weeds in driveway and if applicable rake gravel from sides and middle into wheel
tracks.
Oil hinges and stays to doors and windows.
FREQUENTLY:
Keep rainwater and kitchen gully gratings free of leaves and other debris.
Look at roofs for defective or missing slates or tiles.
Switch on central heating circulator for a few minutes once a week in the summer months.
Radiator valves must be open for this to be effective.
Check for leaks on toilets, overflows, flushpipes, etc.
WHEN REQUIRED:
Wipe up condensation from window sills in winter.
Scrub with a solution of household bleach any mould on window joinery or walls.
Tighten loose screws on hinges, locks, latches and other fittings before damage occurs,
this also includes all doors and cupboards in the property.
Beware frost damage while away from home
D8. A TO Z
ADVICE
Please remember that, in all the above matters, the Archdeacons, the Property
Administrator, the Surveyors and the Deanery Representatives elected to the DPPC are
always available to give advice.
ALARM SYSTEMS
The Committee will consider grants towards the cost of providing an intruder alarm
system.
Whilst in exceptional circumstances the cost will be met in full, on most occasions the
Committee would look to the Occupant or PCC to meet some of the cost.
The ongoing maintenance contract will be the liability of the PCC or the Occupant.
COOKERS
You are responsible for supplying and maintaining your cooker. If you occupied your
present house prior to 28 May 2002 any freestanding cooker (previously supplied by the
DPPC) is now your property.
Built-in cookers, hobs and ranges remain the property of the Diocesan Board of Finance
and should be left in the house. Please ensure in such cases that the cooker is left in a
condition, which makes it immediately useable, by your successor. You are responsible
for its maintenance (there may in some cases be a warranty).
If a built-in cooker needs replacing the DPPC will arrange for the kitchen to be suitably
adapted to allow you to purchase a free standing cooker.
This now reflects standard policy across most Diocese of the Church of England.
DECORATIONS
A reminder that you and the parish are responsible for the interior decorations of your
house.
Some occupants “Do it Themselves” or with parish help. Whatever method you adopt the
DPPC trusts that you will hand the house over in good order.
Please negotiate the colour schemes with your PCC. If you live in a house for which
there is no PCC responsibility, because you have a Diocesan post, and you have painted
the walls in bold colours you should return them to pale neutral shades before you vacate.
In any instance, the parish should be responsible for the decoration of one room per year
in the property.
The DPPC is prepared to consider applications for assistance towards the cost of
redecorating only difficult spaces e.g. halls, stairways and landings and very high ceilings.
Each application is considered on merit but priority will normally be given to such areas
where no decorative work has been done for at least 8 - 10 years. Applications, giving
details of the work, should be addressed to the Property Administrator.
When a vacancy occurs, Churchwardens and PCCs should asses the need for any
interior redecoration. Small grants may, in extraordinary circumstances, be available from
the DPPC towards the cost of the materials.
DOUBLE GLAZING
This is normally provided in the specifications for new houses.
In existing houses it is only considered when windows are being replaced or in the case of
north facing studies or where noise is a factor.
ELECTRICAL ITEMS
Problems have been experienced with overheating and consequent damage to electric
socket outlets. This may be due to the use of poor quality plugs on high consumption
appliances. Please check older appliances and use appropriate fuses.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
It is recommended that these should be provided but at the expense of the occupant or
the PCC.
GARDENS & TREES
You are responsible for the upkeep of the garden, including minor repairs and routine
timber treatment of boundary fencing.
Please look at the sizeable forest trees in the garden and report to the Property
Administrator any that are considered to call for professional advice.
Particular attention should be paid to those trees that could fall onto the highway,
neighbour’s property or onto buildings on your own land.
The pruning, lopping and removal of saplings, shrubs and fruit trees should be within the
capabilities of most occupants in keeping the grounds tidy.
You should also ensure that you do not plant any trees too close to the house – if you are
intending to plant trees that will grow to a significant size you should seek advice from the
DPPC prior to any planting.
GAS FIRES
The DPPC is only responsible for a suitable central heating system; it is not responsible
for gas/electric fires.
If you wish to add a fire you will be responsible for its installation and maintenance.
Where a gas fire is already installed it will be serviced until such time as it requires
removal. Gas fires will be removed as a matter of course during a vacancy.
Whilst the DPPC is responsible for the structure of the chimney and fire place if you wish
to have an open fire you will be responsible for supplying the appropriate fittings such as a
grate, and making sure that the chimney is swept.
Portable Gas fires should only be used with extreme care.
HEATING
Although an immersion heater is provided in most houses, it is far more economical to
make use of the central heating boiler to supply hot water. In addition undue use of
immersion heaters can cause scale level to build up in tanks, resulting in reduced
efficiency.
Inspect the system regularly for leaking cylinder joints and radiator valves which, left
unattended, can lead to extensive damage to floors and outbreaks of dry rot. Scale will be
kept to a minimum if the boiler temperature is not kept above 60° C (140° F)
Efficient use of the programmer will reduce heating bills.
INSULATION
Cavity Wall Insulation
Whilst this is included in the specifications for new houses, in existing buildings it will only
be considered if the site is exposed or where excessive noise is a factor.
Roof Insulation
A minimum thickness of 4” is recommended, water tanks and exposed pipes in the roof
space must be lagged. If this is not the case please advise the Property Administrator.
Draught Proof Stripping Doors and Windows
It is claimed that this relatively inexpensive treatment can result in up to a 40% saving in
fuel consumption; far more effective than any combination of (a) to (c) above.
INSURANCE
The DPPC:
The house itself is included in Houseowners (Buildings) Block Policies covering all
parsonage houses and DBF properties in the Diocese, so long as it is used exclusively as
a parsonage house.
Please notify the Property Administrator as soon as possible of any incident likely to result
in an insurance claim under this policy.
The Parish:
The premium is included in the annual quota levied on the parish and paid by the PCC.
If any part of the house is let, or used on a regular basis for parish activities, this must be
reported to the Property Administrator who will notify the Insurance Company.
Any additional premium required for these activities will be the responsibility of you or the
Parish. It is of the utmost importance that all incidents and occurrences which may be the
subject of an insurance claim are reported to the Property Administrator without delay.
You:
the insurance of contents is your own responsibility and no cover is provided under the
Diocesan Block Policies.
Should you decide to take in paying guests you should ascertain through your
Insurance Company whether, and to what extent, additional insurance is required.
This is additional to the requirement to notify the Property Administrator
concerning the risks associated with use of the building for this purpose.
LETTING OF PARSONAGE HOUSES
In the light of previous experience, the letting of rooms, other than for short periods, is to
be strongly discouraged and certainly no letting should be arranged without consultation
with the Property Administrator and Diocesan Registrar.
The Rent Acts provide comprehensive protection to residential tenants and unless specific
reference is made in any Agreement to special provisions contained in these Acts relating
to the letting of Parsonage Houses (or any part thereof) it may be extremely difficult, if not
impossible, to regain possession.
The Board may let the property in a vacancy. This is a rare, but valuable way in
which we can increase our income to help pay for works.
PARISH ACTIVITIES AND USE OF ROOMS
Your study is NOT the parish centre/office. It is part of your home and you should never
feel guilty in making this clear to the parish.
The publication, ‘Today’s Parsonage’, produced by the Church Commissioners,
emphasises that, whilst one living room should be sufficiently large to enable the parson
to offer hospitality to parishioners, or to hold small meetings, it should not be regarded as
a substitute for a proper parish meeting room.
Also use by the parish of the property, as a storage facility is not recommended. This use
leads to security risks negates our insurance cover, further there have been cases where
the Diocese has expended considerable sums to remove such rubbish.
SECURITY LIGHTS
The Committee is prepared to consider applications for the provision of outside security
lights and, in most cases, will be prepared to meet half of the cost leaving it to the
occupant and/or the PCC to find the balance.
SURVEYORS
The Parsonages Board employs surveyors for the purpose of Quinquennial and Vacancy
Inspections and for such works as the Board determines are necessary.
The Surveyors cannot authorise works without the Board’s permission.
For mainland enquiries the Surveyor should not be the first port of call – these should be
made to the Parsonages Property Administrator.
he surveyors should be allowed full access to property, gardens and outbuildings when
they have arranged, in advance, an inspection visit. Please make sure that they are able
to have such access, and if needed, a ladder is available.
SHOWERS
The Committee’s policy is to provide a shower room or a shower over the bath in all new
houses and, as far as funds permit, to provide help towards this in existing houses. [ You
should keep a careful watch for leakage that could cause damage to the property]
Do-it-yourself installations are not permitted.
SMOKE ALARMS
These are provided in all new houses and the Committee will provide grants to meet the
cost of installing two smoke alarms in existing houses. Applications for grants should be
made to the Property Administrator.
Batteries for smoke alarms should be changed at least once a year. You should also
vacuum the smoke alarm at least twice a year to ensure the detector is not blocked with
dust.
TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT VACATION OF THE PROPERTY
Extensive damage can result from bursting pipes both to the structure and to the contents
of a house.
If you go away during winter months, if only for a few days, leave your heating on and/or
arrange for a responsible person to look after the house.
If you are on holiday, or sabbatical, it may be useful to ask a churchwarden, member of
the congregation or neighbour to keep an eye on your house. If a colleague can check on
post and/or deliveries this can also deter those who might see a potential for crime.
If you are vacating, please notify the Property Administrator of the date of leaving and of
the arrangements made for its protection and security during the vacancy
If by any chance frost damage does occur while the property is left vacant it is essential
that the Property Administrator is advised of the extent of the damage and how it
occurred. This information will be required in forwarding an insurance claim.
The Insurers may refuse to accept a claim if due care has not been exercised.
D9. CONTACT DETAILS
Property Manager
Sherry Sherrington
Property 1st Floor
Peninsular House
Wharf Road
Portsmouth
Tel: 023 9289 9661
Fax: 023 9289 9651
Email: sherry.sherrington@portsmouth.anglican.org
Head of Property
Paul Tizzard
Deputy Diocesan Secretary
1st Floor
Peninsular House
Wharf Road
Portsmouth
Tel:023 9289 9664
Fax: 023 9289 9651
Email: paul.tizzard@portsmouth.anglican.org