Non-Registered Boarding Houses Given One-Month Ultimatum To Formalise Their Businesses

The Lusaka City Council, LCC, has given owners of non-registered boarding houses a one-month ultimatum to formalise their businesses or face closure and penalties.

The Council said it has observed that some properties across Lusaka are operating as boarding houses without being legally formalised for that purpose. It said other property owners have converted their premises into boarding houses without notifying the local authority of the change of use.

According to LCC, boarding house operators are required to formalise their businesses for the business levy, health permit and fire certificate. The Council said owners who have changed the use of their properties to boarding houses must also formally apply for an official change of use.

LCC said the requirements are important for proper record-keeping and effective regulation of boarding house operations. The Council has warned that failure to comply within the one-month period will result in closure and penalties in accordance with the law.

“The Council has therefore issued a one-month ultimatum for boarding house owners to comply with these requirements,” the Council said.

LCC said it will intensify inspections and monitoring to ensure compliance and that any venture found violating Council regulations will be penalised in accordance with the law.

The Council has also advised individuals, including students, to ensure that businesses they deal with are properly formalised. Members of the public have been encouraged to report unregistered entities, particularly boarding houses, to the Council for intervention.

LCC said the measures are aimed at ensuring that businesses operating within its jurisdiction comply with Council regulations and at protecting members of the public from risks associated with unregulated ventures.