A large proportion of our agricultural ownership dates back to the days when the requirement for farm labour was far greater than it is today. As this need has diminished so too has the demand for workers’ accommodation. This has led to the release of cottages from farm tenancies and their availability for direct letting to residential occupiers.
This trend has continued to the point at which some 700 houses are let across the rural estate. These range from small traditional cottages to substantial former farmhouses.
Some are still regulated tenancies but through changes in the legislative regime most are now let on assured shorthold tenancies and attract market rents which are reviewed at regular intervals. This rental income is now making a significant and increasing contribution to the revenue of the rural estate.
Expectations have also increased, and we have developed a Decent Home Standard. We are carrying out a stock condition survey of all our cottages and will assess them against this standard. Work will then commence to ensure that all our residential lettings meet this standard by 2010. Progress against this target will be reported as part of our corporate responsibility report. We shall also be looking at developing an energy efficiency strategy over the coming year, which again will form part of our targets for corporate responsibility.
All tenants are issued with a tenant’s handbook, updating them on their rights, responsibilities and providing general information about their tenancy and their partnership with The Crown Estate.
As with farm tenancies, residential tenancies are managed by the appointed managing agent for the estate.
Further Information
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