Royal Estates Rent Homes Failing Energy Efficiency Standards 2026

The royal estates of King Charles and Prince William are renting out homes that fail to meet legal energy efficiency standards, according to a new investigation. More than 100 properties on the duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and the Sandringham estate have Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of F or G, the lowest categories.

Royal Estates and Energy Efficiency Failures

An analysis of a large sample of domestic lets found that one in five properties on these royal estates have EPC ratings of F or G. These ratings indicate poor insulation, high running costs, and significant carbon emissions. The revelations are particularly embarrassing for Charles and William, who have both cultivated reputations as environmental advocates.

EPC Ratings Explained

Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in England and Wales in 2007 to help estimate energy bills and environmental impact. The most efficient properties receive an A rating, while the worst are given a G. Since 2020, it has been illegal to rent out properties with EPC ratings below E, unless the landlord can demonstrate an exemption.

Legal Requirements and Exemptions

In the majority of failing royal rentals, no formal exemption has been cited. However, some estates appear to be using gaps in the regulations to continue letting properties. This includes homes of dozens of farmers living in poorly insulated farmhouses leased from the duchies. Some farmhouses are not subject to current regulations depending on the tenancy type.

Gaps in the Regulations

Other homes rented out by the royals are not covered by the rules because they apply only to tenancies that began after October 2008. These older tenancies often house elderly and vulnerable people with health conditions, some living without central heating and reliant on unhealthy coal fires or expensive electric heaters.

Impact on Tenants

The Guardian visited several of the worst F and G-rated duchy properties and found many affected by black mould, with draughty single-glazed windows. Fuel Poverty Action described the conditions as unacceptable, highlighting the health risks and financial burden on tenants.

• One in five royal estate rentals have EPC ratings of F or G.
• Many properties lack central heating and have black mould.
• Older tenancies and farmhouses are exempt from current rules.
• Tenants include elderly and vulnerable individuals.
• Royal estates have not cited formal exemptions for most failing properties.

What Can Be Done?

Campaigners are calling for the royal estates to voluntarily upgrade their properties to meet at least an E rating, even where not legally required. They also urge the government to close loopholes that allow older tenancies to remain substandard.

FAQ

What is an EPC rating?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It estimates running costs and environmental impact.

Is it illegal to rent out a property with an EPC rating below E?

Yes, since 2020, it is illegal to rent out properties with EPC ratings below E unless the landlord has a valid exemption. However, some tenancies and property types are exempt.

Why are some royal estate properties exempt from energy efficiency rules?

Exemptions apply to certain tenancies that began before October 2008 and to some agricultural tenancies. These older agreements are not covered by the current minimum standards.

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