Numerous rental properties under Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall fail to meet the basic legal energy efficiency criteria for landlords, a new investigation has revealed.
An alarming investigation has revealed that tenants residing within these properties are vulnerable to fuel poverty due to the poor thermal quality of the homes, which are beset by issues of damp and black mould, it has been reported.
The investigation carried out by Channel 4 Dispatches and The Mirror reveals a staggering one in seven of William’s inherited Duchy of Cornwall’s residential rentals score the lowest on the Energy Performance Certificate ratings, branded with an F or G.
These revelations come at a time when the public is financing a £369million Buckingham Palace refurbishment, coinciding with Prince William’s pledges to combat homelessness and advocate for “everyone having a right to a safe and stable home”.
A tenant expressed their discontent. They told the Mirror: “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.”
Despite the Duchy boasting more than 600 rental homes, a 15-month probe into nearly 500 properties unveiled 50 rated as F and 20 bearing a G rating, even including six residences hitting rock bottom with a mere one point out of 100 on the EPC scale.
Since 2020, it has become illegal for landlords to lease properties falling below an E on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, barring a sanctioned exemption.
Since the implementation of new rules, Prince William and his father, King Charles III, as the previous Duke of Cornwall, have collectively raked in a staggering £91 million from the Duchy proceeds.
Conversations with several tenants who wished to remain nameless revealed their struggles living in these inadequately insulated properties, the majority lack central heating, with many dependent on costly solid fuels for warmth.
One tenant revealed: “It gets miserably cold especially in the winter, you can see through the roof. I can only heat two rooms in my home using a wood burner and a coal fire, and the landlord told me that my rent was going to be put up considerably if they put in radiators.
“There is mould appearing on soft furnishings and clothes because the air is so cold and damp. 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.”
Another conveyed their desperation: “The house is freezing. We were told that it is uninhabitable. When the wind blows the curtains start swinging. There’s no heating upstairs at all.”
Many feel trapped by the unforgiving stance of their landlords as remarks surface: “I asked about double glazing and they said Prince Charles doesn’t like it. Well he doesn’t have to live here.”
Although none of the 70 properties rated F and G had exemptions, it is understood the Duchy believes that long-term tenancies and voluntary EPC assessments exempt them from the rules. The MEES regulations impose fines of up to £5,000 for each non-compliant property.
Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have been contacted for comment.
A Duchy of Cornwall spokesperson said: “The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate with a commercial imperative which we achieve alongside our commitment to restoring the natural environment and generating positive social impact for our communities.
“Prince William became Duke of Cornwall in September 2022 and since then has committed to an expansive transformation of the Duchy.
“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.”
