Living in a fridge? Royal's tenants struggle with ‘cold, mouldy’ homes that fail energy standards!
- Replies 14
The concept of a ‘home’ is often associated with warmth, safety, and comfort.
However, for some tenants of properties owned by a member of the Royal Family, their reality is far from this ideal.
Recent investigations have brought to light that dozens of rental homes under their ownership are not meeting the mark when it comes to energy efficiency, leaving residents in the cold—quite literally.
In the United Kingdom, the introduction of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) has underscored the importance of energy efficiency in homes.
Since April 2020, it has been unlawful to rent out a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below E unless there is a valid exemption.
This legislation is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it's also about ensuring homes are livable, warm, and free from issues like dampness and mould that can have serious health implications.
However, a 15-month investigation by The Mirror and the current affairs program Dispatches has revealed a concerning situation.
It appears that one in seven rentals belonging to Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall, valued at a staggering £1.3 billion (over 2.5 million AUD), have been given the lowest EPC ratings of F and G.
With over 600 rental properties inherited by Prince William in 2022, at least 70 of these do not comply with the MEES, leaving tenants in a precarious position.
Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with their homes, citing issues of cold temperatures and inadequate insulation.
Many find themselves vulnerable to ‘fuel poverty’ as they struggle to afford coal and wood for heating.
‘There is mould appearing on soft furnishings and clothes because the air is so cold and damp,’ one tenant reported.
‘To make my property efficient, it needs to be insulated, but they won’t do that because of the cost.’
‘But you don’t want to say anything against your landlord for fear of eviction. There could be consequences,’ they added.
The financial implications for the Duchy are not insignificant either. Failing to comply with the MEES can result in fines of up to £5,000 (9,832 AUD) per property.
Yet, despite these potential penalties, the Duchy has reportedly accumulated £91 million (almost 180 million AUD) in profits since the new regulations were introduced four years ago.
This is juxtaposed against the backdrop of a £369 million (more than 725 million AUD) taxpayer-funded renovation of Buckingham Palace and Prince William's public campaign against homelessness.
‘It’s a disgrace that a billion-pound royal estate appears to be acting like a rogue landlord. And getting away with it,’ Fuel Poverty Action Campaigner Jonathan Bean stated.
‘King Charles and Prince William have profited from renting out property that fails to meet even basic standards.’
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Duchy stated that it is a ‘responsible and compassionate landlord’ that collaborates with tenants to tackle energy inefficiencies.
‘Prince William became Duke of Cornwall in September 2022 and since then has committed to an expansive transformation of the Duchy,’ they explained.
‘This includes a significant investment to make the estate net zero by the end of 2032, as well as establishing targeted mental health support for our tenants and working with local partners to help tackle homelessness in Cornwall.’
The report also highlights other public contracts through which the Duchy generates millions in rental income, including agreements with the National Health Service, the military, a prison, and some state schools.
As concerns grow about inadequate living conditions, including issues like cold and poorly insulated homes, some tenants are finding creative ways to advocate for their rights and reclaim their comfort.
This brings to light the story of a woman who successfully navigated a tricky situation with her landlord, managing to recover $5,000 by cleverly addressing an absurd excuse.
Just as residents are demanding better energy standards, her experience highlights the importance of standing up for one's rights in the rental market.
What are your thoughts on the revelations about the Duchy of Cornwall's rental properties? Have you had experiences with energy inefficiency in your own home? Share your stories and insights in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going and work towards a future where every home is a warm and welcoming one.
However, for some tenants of properties owned by a member of the Royal Family, their reality is far from this ideal.
Recent investigations have brought to light that dozens of rental homes under their ownership are not meeting the mark when it comes to energy efficiency, leaving residents in the cold—quite literally.
In the United Kingdom, the introduction of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) has underscored the importance of energy efficiency in homes.
Since April 2020, it has been unlawful to rent out a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below E unless there is a valid exemption.
This legislation is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it's also about ensuring homes are livable, warm, and free from issues like dampness and mould that can have serious health implications.
Prince William has been labelled a ‘rogue landlord’ for owning properties that do not meet minimum energy efficiency standards. Credit: Facebook / The Royal Family
However, a 15-month investigation by The Mirror and the current affairs program Dispatches has revealed a concerning situation.
It appears that one in seven rentals belonging to Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall, valued at a staggering £1.3 billion (over 2.5 million AUD), have been given the lowest EPC ratings of F and G.
With over 600 rental properties inherited by Prince William in 2022, at least 70 of these do not comply with the MEES, leaving tenants in a precarious position.
Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with their homes, citing issues of cold temperatures and inadequate insulation.
Many find themselves vulnerable to ‘fuel poverty’ as they struggle to afford coal and wood for heating.
‘There is mould appearing on soft furnishings and clothes because the air is so cold and damp,’ one tenant reported.
‘To make my property efficient, it needs to be insulated, but they won’t do that because of the cost.’
‘But you don’t want to say anything against your landlord for fear of eviction. There could be consequences,’ they added.
The financial implications for the Duchy are not insignificant either. Failing to comply with the MEES can result in fines of up to £5,000 (9,832 AUD) per property.
Yet, despite these potential penalties, the Duchy has reportedly accumulated £91 million (almost 180 million AUD) in profits since the new regulations were introduced four years ago.
This is juxtaposed against the backdrop of a £369 million (more than 725 million AUD) taxpayer-funded renovation of Buckingham Palace and Prince William's public campaign against homelessness.
‘It’s a disgrace that a billion-pound royal estate appears to be acting like a rogue landlord. And getting away with it,’ Fuel Poverty Action Campaigner Jonathan Bean stated.
‘King Charles and Prince William have profited from renting out property that fails to meet even basic standards.’
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Duchy stated that it is a ‘responsible and compassionate landlord’ that collaborates with tenants to tackle energy inefficiencies.
‘Prince William became Duke of Cornwall in September 2022 and since then has committed to an expansive transformation of the Duchy,’ they explained.
‘This includes a significant investment to make the estate net zero by the end of 2032, as well as establishing targeted mental health support for our tenants and working with local partners to help tackle homelessness in Cornwall.’
The report also highlights other public contracts through which the Duchy generates millions in rental income, including agreements with the National Health Service, the military, a prison, and some state schools.
As concerns grow about inadequate living conditions, including issues like cold and poorly insulated homes, some tenants are finding creative ways to advocate for their rights and reclaim their comfort.
This brings to light the story of a woman who successfully navigated a tricky situation with her landlord, managing to recover $5,000 by cleverly addressing an absurd excuse.
Just as residents are demanding better energy standards, her experience highlights the importance of standing up for one's rights in the rental market.
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