Dozens of Properties Fail Energy Efficiency Standards, Raising Tenant Concerns
An investigation has revealed that more than 30 rental properties on King Charles’s Sandringham Estate fail to meet the required energy efficiency standards, sparking concerns about tenant living conditions.
Some tenants report enduring cold, damp homes with rotting single-glazed windows, which allow heat to escape. One tenant described the properties as "very cold," suggesting the reluctance to upgrade to double glazing may stem from the King’s aesthetic preferences for the historic homes, many of which date back to the Victorian era.
While the Sandringham Estate spokesperson stated that investments are being made to improve energy efficiency, over 30 properties remain below the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Eight homes received the lowest "G" rating, with one property scoring just one out of 100.
Under MEES regulations, landlords cannot rent out homes with ratings below E and may face penalties of up to £5,000 per property. However, questions have been raised about whether the King is exempt from these rules, as suggested by a 2022 report citing royal exemptions from over 160 laws.
The estate acknowledged that a small number of homes might be exempt from compliance requirements but emphasised its ongoing efforts to address the issue. For now, tenants remain concerned about living in outdated and inefficient housing.
