Cleaning, Utilities & Repairs
Additional Cleaning required after an Occupant's Departurea. Regrettably there are occasions when the departing family leave the house in a less than satisfactory state. If this occurs, Churchwardens are requested to organise some voluntary cleaning so that the house is reasonably presentable for any visiting prospective occupant. If you choose to engage paid labour the PCC must meet the cost. Please contact the Property Manager in instances of real difficulty.
Use of Gas and Electricity during the Vacancy
a. Normally these services should be turned off. During a winter period if it is considered that there are special reasons for minimal heating in the vacant house, please contact the Property Manager. If such expenditure is incurred without prior approval from Church House, the PCC must pay the bill.
Repairs
a. If during regular checks of the vacant house, it is found any repairs are necessary please report these immediately to the Property Manager who will decide what action should be taken. No repair work should be put in hand or any expenditure incurred without prior approval from the Property Manager.
b. In circumstances of extreme urgency outside office hours, for instance a leaking roof, please arrange for basic repairs to be put in hand immediately to prevent further damage, and report the problem to Church House as soon as possible.
PLEASE NOTE: Expenditure on the house is not a reclaimable Churchwarden's expense.
Telephone
a. The telephone is totally the responsibility of the PCC; any outstanding bills from the previous occupant?s private use of the telephone should be settled with him directly. The PCC should make arrangements with the new occupant at an early date for reimbursement to the PCC for any private use of the telephone. During an interregnum it is recommended that the telephone remain connected to retain the existing telephone number. British Telecom makes no charge if the line is transferred to a churchwarden and equally the line can be transferred at no cost to the new occupant on arrival. Alternatively British Telecom offers a 'Supportline' service and this enables the line and telephone number to be kept by the PCC during an interregnum. The standing charge for the latter, whilst cheaper, does not allow calls to be made. All standing charges must be met by the PCC.
New Appointment
a. On change of occupancy the Property Manager will arrange a meeting at the house, to which a Churchwarden is usually invited, to discuss any necessary repairs and possible improvements to the house. The PCC(s) are usually invited to make a contribution to the latter.
Insurance
a. After the house has been empty for 30 days it ceases to be fully insured, and care should be taken to keep it secure and, particularly during severe winter weather, to ensure that all possible steps are taken to avoid bursts and expensive consequent damage.
[10] [69] [23]