Royal Estates Face Criticism Over Substandard Rental Energy Efficiency

An analysis of over 700 domestic properties owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, the Duchy of Lancaster, and the Sandringham estate reveals that approximately one-fifth fail to meet legal minimum energy efficiency standards. About 143 homes hold Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F or G, the lowest possible scores. While renting properties below an E rating has been illegal in England and Wales since 2020 without a formal exemption, fewer than one in 12 of these substandard properties have registered such exemptions.

Tenants report living with black mould, a lack of central heating, and a reliance on coal fires. Fuel Poverty Action characterized these conditions as Dickensian, accusing the royal estates of using regulatory loopholes—such as exemptions for agricultural tenancies or those established before 2008—to prioritize profits over tenant welfare.

In response, the Duchy of Cornwall announced a £50m plan to improve the condition and efficiency of existing properties, noting it has spent £11m on home improvements since 2022. The Duchy of Lancaster reported investing over £3m in residential repairs and upgrades over the past year. Both estates and the Sandringham estate cited the inherent challenges of upgrading historic buildings to meet modern standards, while maintaining that the majority of their portfolios remain compliant.