An investigation has revealed that many properties owned by Prince William fall short of legal energy efficiency standards. These findings highlight concerns about poor living conditions faced by some tenants, including damp, black mould, and costly heating bills.
Failing to Meet Energy Standards
The investigation, conducted by The Mirror in collaboration with Channel 4 Dispatches, found that one in seven rental properties within the Duchy of Cornwall’s portfolio have the lowest Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of F or G. These ratings fall below the minimum standards set by regulations, making it illegal for landlords to rent such properties without valid exemptions.
Struggling Tenants Speak Out
Several tenants, who spoke anonymously, reported living in homes that were difficult to heat and riddled with damp. One tenant described spending hundreds of pounds each month on coal and wood to heat just two rooms. “The house gets unbearably cold, especially in winter. I can only heat two rooms, and I was told my rent would go up significantly if radiators were installed,” he said. He also mentioned fears of eviction, stating, “You don’t want to complain because there could be consequences.”
Another tenant, an elderly man, was seen under a blanket when visited in early September. “The house is freezing, and the wind blows the curtains inside,” he said. Despite requests for double glazing, he was told, “Prince Charles doesn’t like it,” a reference to the previous Duke of Cornwall.
Eviction and Living Conditions
Claire Williams, 53, who recently faced eviction over disputed rent arrears, shared her experience. She explained that black mould and damp had been persistent problems in her former home near Exeter for over 20 years. “I tried using mould sealant, but it always came back. Any decorating I did peeled off after a few months,” Claire said. When she learned her house had an EPC rating of F, she contacted Citizens Advice, who confirmed that it was not legally rentable under current regulations.
Expert Opinions and Royal Response
Andrew Parkin, director of Elmhurst Energy, reviewed some of the Duchy’s EPC ratings and expressed surprise at the findings. “These properties are poorly performing and expensive to heat. They shouldn’t be rented out until they meet legal standards or have valid exemptions,” he said.
In response, a spokesperson for the Duchy of Cornwall stated, “We are a responsible landlord committed to improving energy efficiency and supporting our tenants. Prince William has committed to transforming the estate, aiming for net-zero by 2032 and working on tenant mental health and local homelessness initiatives.”
Calls for Action
Jonathan Bean from Fuel Poverty Action described the situation as “a disgrace” and called for urgent government intervention. “Low standards cause misery, making heating unaffordable and leading to serious health risks from damp and mould. We need landlords, including the Duchy, to meet basic standards and ensure tenants aren’t left in cold, unsafe homes,” he said.
You may also like: King Charles charges NHS £11m for ambulance space as new files reveal MASSIVE royal earnings from public services
