Frequently Asked Questions (Rental)

This will depend on your personal circumstances. Please use our housing options tool to help you identify the options available to you.  We are also happy to discuss your options on a one-to-one basis.

Yes, how you meet your retirement housing needs is your choice and we offer a Housing Options Service to support you in exploring this. We are continually adding properties to our Housing Bulletin, buying and retaining properties according to demand, and where people want to live.

We do not offer direct purchases for individuals. All available properties are listed on our regular Housing Bulletin for applicants to express an interest in those properties that they would like to be considered for.  We encourage applicants to be as flexible as possible when considering which areas, they would be willing to move to, to give themselves a better chance of finding a home that suits their retirement plan.

Most of our properties are modest two or three bedroom houses, bungalows or flats, with a single reception room.  When approaching retirement, we encourage clergy to prepare for their move, including considering how to downsize and can provide more information about how to do this.  We find that more modest properties are more manageable and cost effective to run, bearing in mind that in retirement, you will be responsible for rent, utilities and council tax, thus keeping costs to a mimimum.

We have properties in every diocese across England, though don’t have a property in every town or village.  Please make sure that you include details of any need to be close to family on your application form, so that we can best support you when exploring your housing options. If you have already retired, but need to move closer to family, please have a look at our Support with Housing in Retirement guide and do get in touch to discuss your circumstances further. 

We provide housing for retired clergy and their partners/spouses. You are not permitted to sublet any part of your home or take in lodgers. If you would like to allow someone to live in the property with you, that isn’t named on the tenancy agreement, we kindly ask that you let us know, such as whether any children or other family members will be living with you.

To be eligible for housing in our rental arm, you will need to have competed 15 years' stipendiary service, or you can have a combination of a minimum 12 years' stipendiary service supported by three years' house for duty to meet the eligibility criteria.

You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have the prerequisite length of service in line with your proposed retirement date. 

Additionally, you must need affordable housing and not own a property or jointly own a property either in the UK or abroad or have capital more than £268,080.88. 

We will means test your application for housing with us and if you have capital of around £131,000 and an income of £31,900 as a single person or £43,700 as a couple, you will not be eligible for a property in our rental portfolio. 

If you want to find out more about how we can help you find a home in your retirement or have a general conversation with us, please contact the housing services team at housingservices@churchofengland.org.  

To apply for retirement property with us, you will need to complete an application form and send it to us. We will then confirm your length of stipendiary service and check the financial information you have provided.

We will then arrange to meet with you, wither face to face or on a teams or zoom call, to explore all your housing options to understand your aspirations for housing in retirement. 

Once you have been accepted on to the housing waiting list, you will begin to receive our regular Housing Property Bulletin via an email link, which will detail all the vacancies we have in the rental portfolio and for our Community Living Schemes.  

The only way you can get a property with us it to choose one from the bulletin. If you see a property, you think would be suitable for your retirement you can express an interest in it, and you will be shortlisted for a viewing based on the date you made your application for housing with us. 

If you are offered a viewing and decide you would like to live in the property in your retirement, you will be able to reserve it, and we will arrange for the property to be ready for you in time with your proposed retirement date.

You can reserve a rental property up to five years prior to your retirement date.  Please keep us updated with any changes in your circumstances including your retirement date so that we can make sure we provide appropriate support to help you meet your retirement plan.

Once you are accepted for the Church Retirement Living – Rental scheme, you will be able to express interest in any of the properties we advertise on our housing bulletin.  Please note that while we have properties spread across every diocese in England, we don’t have housing in every town or village.  

This depends on how flexible you are around your preferences on areas of choice.  We would suggest that it takes at least two years to plan a retirement move well, but could take longer if you want to be housed in a very particular area. We would encourage you to contact us up to 5 years prior to your retirement so that we can help inform your retirement plan.

No, we will require you to complete your housing application and return it to us by post to The Church of England Pensions Board, PO Box 2026, Pershore, WR10 9BW or by email at housingservices@churchofengland.org 

If you move to a Pensions Board house or bungalow, and it has a garden, you can bring a cat or a dog without permission.  If you have more, or different pets or are moving to a Pensions Board flat, you will need to apply for permission before you move.  Under no circumstances can we permit pets which are dangerous or banned breeds under legislation. 

If you are accessing accommodation with another housing provider, they will have their own pet policy and you should ask them about it before hand.

The Church of England Pensions Board is committed to assisting and enabling its residents to live as independently as they can in their own home, as needs change over time in health or mobility. When this happens, we want to support our residents in making the necessary changes to their environment to help them to continue to live comfortably in their homes for as long as possible. 

We aim to achieve this by facilitating the effective planning, consultation and delivery of aids and adaptations. Adaptations may be delivered by statutory agencies, through a resident self-funding the works by way of our Self-Funded Improvements Policy or can be considered and delivered by the Board. 

To find out more about how we can help adapt a property before you take up your tenancy please contact the housing team at housingservices@churchofengalnd.org . if you are already a tenant, please contact the Aids and Adaptations Officer at pbhpropertyservices@churchofengland.org

We do not provide furnished accommodation. The only floor coverings that we provide are in the wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. If there are any fitted appliances, such as an oven or a hob, this will be gifted to you when your tenancy begins.

There is a webform on the Housing Bulletin, which allows you to express interest in up to three properties in any given bulletin cycle.

Once your application has been received, we will confirm your stipendiary service and it will then be allocated to a housing officer who will become your point of contact.  Applications are usually processed within approximately four weeks.

Please provide as much detail as possible on your application form including details of who will be living with you, your income and savings level, whether you already own property, any medical conditions you or members of your household have, and any other information it is important for us to know about your circumstances.

Usually our homes have either a driveway or allocated parking space. Occasionally there may be a garage which could be attached or separate from the main home.

Our rents are subsidised by the wider church and are lower than market rates.  Average rents are approximately £750 per calendar month, depending on property type and location.

You will be responsible for all utility bills (e.g. electricity, gas, water) to run the property. All tenants are responsible for the payment of the council tax for their property. Additional bills, such as a TV licence, any telephone charges, and an internet subscription are the responsibility of the tenant.

When you see a rental property advertised on our regular Housing Bulletin, it will clearly state what the rental charges will be. This will help you to make an informed decision about whether the property will be affordable for you. We do not charge separate service charges.

You pay your removal costs but sometimes, depending on circumstances, the diocese may be able to assist you.  If you need assistance, you may be eligible for support with a grant from the many charities we work with. For more information, please contact our Welfare Advisor by email at housingservices@churchofengland.org who will be able to help you.

Repairs and maintenance are managed by our maintenance partner – OCS – and our Property Services Team. If you would like to speak to our Property Services Team, please contact them through our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824 or by email at pbhpropertyservices@churchofengland.org

Yes, there are fully funded free solutions to improve your homes energy efficiency, see and use links below to check eligibility:

FREE Energy Solutions and Grants | UKEM

Find energy grants for your home (Help to Heat) - GOV.UK

If you ever have any concerns about paying your rent, we ask that you contact your Housing Officer to discuss your circumstances. The Housing Officer may refer you to our Welfare Advisor who can help you understand how you can maximise your income.

Should you be concerned about your finances, you can contact our Welfare Advisor for advice by calling our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824 or emailing at housingservices@churchofengland.org. Information about how we support our tenants can be found online here: Supporting You During Retirement | The Church of England

Yes, we would always seek to support the spouses of those who have sadly died in service. We liaise closely with the relevant diocese to provide appropriate support.

Eligibility for public funds depends on factors such as income, capital and family circumstances. In view of these facts, each case is dealt with on its own merits.  The link below explains what public funds are, who can apply, how to check eligibility, and includes FAQs and case studies. EasyStepUK - UK Benefits

You may be eligible for a grant from the Pensions Board if you are retired Church of England Clergy or their surviving spouse or civil partner, with a low income, and are struggling financially. 

If you are receiving a Clergy pension from us, and you're over State Pension Age (unless you retired early on ill health grounds), you can apply for a grant.

There is no limit on the amount of pensionable service you need to apply for a grant. If you live abroad, you can still apply.

See link below for full eligibility criteria and a printable application form

Pensions Board charitable grants | The Church of England

If you ever have any questions about your tenancy or about living at your property, then please contact the Housing Officer for your region. If you ever need any repairs at your property, please report them to our maintenance partner – OCS – and they will manage the repairs directly with you. Should you wish to speak to someone about your repairs or the service you are receiving from OCS, then please contact the Property Services Officer for your region. 

Please report any repairs directly to our maintenance partner - OCS. They will manage your repair directly with you. Their call centre can be contacted as follows:

1. By phone on 0808 258 0800

2. By email to log a new repair at logajob.cepb@ocs.com 

3. By email for queries relating to an existing job at jobquery.cepb@ocs.com 

The Pensions Board does need to be provided with the appropriate   amount of  notice to end your rental agreement and must beive written notice from you to terminate your rental agreement. Please check the terms of your rental agreement to understand what your notice period is. Please contact your housing officer if you are considering, or wanting, to terminate your rental agreement. Your housing officer will provide you with a termination of occupancy form for you to complete and return to us, as well as providing you with a guide as to how to clear your property, and information about how to terminate your rental agreement and the process for how the Pensions Board will reclaim your property.

We understand that individuals housing needs can change over time. We can explore your housing options with you so that you can make an informed choice about a future move. Please get in touch to let us know your circumstances and reasons for moving and we’ll help you to explore alternative accommodation.  

If you’re already living in one of our properties, but wish to move, we will help you explore all of the housing options that are available to you so you can make an informed decision about your next move. Due to the level of demand for our services, we prioritise those who are retiring.  

Current tenants are responsible for their property until the last day of their tenancy. All properties must be returned to us in a clean and presentable condition with all possessions cleared from the property. 

If a sole tenant has sadly passed away, the executor(s) of the deceased’s estate or next of kin will be responsible for clearing the property and for returning the property to us.

Yes, you can erect a shed in your garden without our permission; provided it is no bigger than 4m x 4m and does not have an electricity supply. 

Some trees may have a Tree Preservation Order on them. If you wish to cut down large trees we suggest you contact our Property Services Team through our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824, or email at pbhpropertyservices@churchofengland.org, and they will advise you about whether you can proceed or not.

A neighbourly dispute is often best resolved by all neighbours speaking together about the issue and trying to find a solution. However, if an issue cannot be resolved between the tenant(s) and the neighbour(s), please contact your housing officer to explain the situation and ask for their advice. 

No, you are not allowed to sub-let your property. Only the tenant(s) listed on the rental agreement can permanently occupy the property. Any tenant(s) found to be sub-letting their rental property will be in breach of their rental agreement.

We have a dedicated Aids and Adaptations Officer [link] who works with our tenants to support them with any self-funded adaptations at their home, or to support tenants with applications for local authority Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG). If you require any adaptations at your home, please contact us to discuss in further detail. You can contact our Property Services Team through our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824 or email at pbhpropertyservices@churchofengland.org

The Pensions Board has a Home Improvements Policy which considers requests from tenants who wish to make alterations to their property, such as building a conservatory. If you would like to build a conservatory at your property, you would need to request permission from the Pensions Board to proceed in doing so and the installation would be at the cost of the tenant. 

If you would like to apply for a Home Improvement, please contact our Property Services Team through our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824 or email at pbhpropertyservices@churchofengland.org

We do some minor adaptations to meet people's current of changing needs and can also offer support through our Aids and Adaptions service if support of funding is required. If a property is no longer suitable, we can help you explore alternative housing provision that may suitably meet your needs. 

If one or both parties wish to explore a move, you can contact your Housing Officer who will provide you with advice, dependant on your circumstances. We will help you look at all of your housin options so that you can make an informed decision about any potential moves.

A tenant can nominate a Third Party to speak to the Pensions Board, and our maintenance partner, on their behalf. Please contact your Housing Officer for a Third-Party Authorisation Form if you would like to set up such an arrangement. Many of our tenants will have a family member or close friend registered as their Third Party.

Please see our guide to applying for ill health retirement. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact our Pensions helpline on 0207 898 1802. 

We seek to support anyone who is applying for ill health retirement with considering their housing options.  Please do get in touch with us once you think you may apply for ill health retirement, it is helpful to start the conversation at the earliest opportunity.  For anyone who has an ill health pension application approved, the stipendiary service eligibility requirement is cut to five years.  

In certain situations, it can be beneficial for the Pensions Board to have knowledge of who has power of attorney and to have a copy of your registered lasting power of attorney (LPA). If you have an LPA, please advise your Housing Officer that you can provide a copy to the Pensions Board.   

We don’t do this in our Rental properties but do offer a Housing Support service where we can signpost you to suitable providers.  We would also encourage you to make contact with the local Adult Social Care team at the appropriate time. We also have seven community living schemes which can offer support, should you need it.

Yes, we will come and visit you in your home to discuss your welfare needs and answer any questions you have about living in your home. Where appropriate we will signpost you to services that can meet your welfare needs.

Please report any safeguarding concerns to the Housing Services Team through our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824 or email at housingservices@churchofengland.org.

You can also contact your local authority for advice and support.

If the concern requires an emergency response team, please call 999.

Please report any changes to a household or to your personal circumstances by contacting the Housing Services Team through our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824 or emailing at housingservices@churchofengland.org

When someone has sadly passed away, the Housing Services Team does need to know. Please report a death by contacting the Housing Services Team through our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824 or emailing at housingservices@churchofengland.org. We will support the surviving spouse or partner, or assist the family, during such difficult times.

You can speak with your Housing Officer or with our Housing Support Officer. Please contact our Housing Services Team through our Housing Helpline on 020 7898 1824 or email at housingservices@churchofengland.org. Information about how we can help is provided online here: Supporting You During Retirement | The Church of England

To see who your housing officer click here

Please contact your regional Housing Officer to request a home visit. 

Yes, we will come visit you in your home to discuss your tenancy or answer any questions you have about living in your home.

You can come to meet with us at Church House if you wish. We suggest that you make an appointment so we can book a meeting room and ensure that the staff you need to see will be available. We can also offer you the opportunity to meet with colleagues in our pensions team.