An investigation conducted by The Mirror and Channel 4 Dispatches has unveiled concerning allegations regarding rental properties under Prince William’s ownership, claiming that some tenants are at risk of fuel poverty while residing in homes plagued by dampness and black mould. The probe revealed that a significant number of properties within the Duchy of Cornwall, inherited by Prince William, are falling short of the compulsory energy efficiency standards mandated for landlords. It is reported that as many as one in seven of these residences have abysmal Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F or G.
While taxpayers are funding a substantial £369 million renovation of Buckingham Palace, Prince William has been an advocate for homelessness campaigns, stressing the importance of everyone having access to a safe and secure home. However, tenants from the Duchy have expressed disappointment, with one tenant stating, “The slick PR will stick in the throat of many tenants. He should start by bringing the homes he already owns up to modern standards.”
The investigation scrutinised over 600 rental properties owned by Prince William, with close to 500 of them being examined in detail. Shockingly, 50 properties were found to have F ratings and 20 with G ratings. Additionally, some homes scored as low as one point out of a possible 100 on their EPC. Tenants, who chose to remain anonymous, described living in homes without proper insulation, lacking central heating, and reliant on costly solid fuels for warmth.
Since 2020, landlords have been prohibited from renting out properties rated lower than E, as per the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regulations. Despite this, Prince William and King Charles III have collectively garnered £91 million in profits from the Duchy of Cornwall. Tenants have lamented the dire living conditions, with one tenant revealing the struggle of heating just two rooms in their home with a wood burner and coal fire due to lack of central heating and insulation.
Another tenant shared the challenges of living in freezing conditions, expressing concerns about the presence of mould and the lack of heating in the house. Claire Williams, a Duchy tenant aged 53, recounted her battle with cold and damp in her former farmhouse, highlighting the exorbitant costs of heating the inefficient property. Following an eviction notice, Claire discovered that her home had received an F rating for energy efficiency, indicating substandard living conditions.
The Duchy of Cornwall has maintained that they are committed to continuously improving their properties and working with tenants to enhance energy efficiency while minimising the impact on residents. However, the investigation has raised questions about the welfare of tenants in rental properties owned by the royal estate. Fuel Poverty Action spokesperson, Jonathan Bean, condemned the low standards observed in these properties, citing the financial burden and health risks faced by tenants living in such conditions.
The investigation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by tenants in substandard rental properties. It underscores the importance of ensuring that all rental accommodations meet basic standards of energy efficiency and livability to safeguard the well-being of tenants. The revelations presented in the report call for urgent action to address the systemic issues affecting rental properties and advocate for the rights and welfare of tenants across the country.