It was cheering to read that William and Kate’s new lease for Forest Lodge in Windsor stipulates that they must keep the grounds “clean and tidy” and “free from weeds”. Solidarity, comrades! How relatable. For I too am a renter, and know how it feels to live under the landlord’s cosh. My own tenancy agreement says something similar.

Not that the landlords have ever enforced it. They take what I might euphemistically call a “hands-off” approach, which I acknowledge is preferable to the alternative. I was outside weeding this very afternoon, not because I’m legally obliged to but because I have decided, after four years of letting it slide, to enjoy my garden again.

I say “my” garden, but it is of course a rented garden. When you’re renting, there is always a dilemma as to how much time and money to invest in your surroundings, what with the constant awareness that they could be snatched away from under you at any moment. Or at least, that used to be the case. We got a letter from Clarion Housing yesterday and my heart started beating like a snare drum, a trauma response acquired from lengthy experience. But instead of yet another rent increase, it was informing us of our new legal rights as tenants (thanks, Labour!). Not only can we now only be evicted........

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