A rectory is the residence, or former residence, of a rector, most often a Christian cleric, but in some cases an academic rector (e.g. a Scottish university rector)or other person with that title. Many former rectories may still be referred to locally as a rectory once a church or religious organisation has vacated the property.

These homes are normally owned and maintained by the church, as a benefit to their ministers; if a minister makes his own living arrangements his residence is unlikely to be given a special title. The practice continues to this day in many denominations because of the tendency of church officials to be sent from one church to another at relatively frequent intervals. Many buildings described as "vicarage" or "rectory" that are sold by the church retain their former names, often qualified, such as "The Old Rectory".