Lusaka boarding houses given one month to register with LCC or face closure

The Lusaka City Council has given owners of unregistered boarding houses one month to formalise their businesses or risk closure and penalties.

The council says a number of properties across Lusaka are operating as boarding houses without being legally formalised, while some owners have converted properties for boarding purposes without notifying the local authority of the change of use.

Under the ultimatum, boarding house owners are required to obtain the necessary registration and approvals, including a business levy, health permit and fire certificate.

The council says operating without the required approvals makes it difficult for authorities to monitor and enforce health and safety standards, potentially increasing risks such as disease outbreaks and putting students at risk.

Owners who have changed the use of their properties to boarding houses without notifying the council must also apply for official approval of the change of use.

The council says the process will help maintain accurate records and ensure boarding facilities are properly regulated.

It has warned that failure to comply within one month will result in closure and penalties in accordance with the law.

The council says it will also intensify inspections and monitoring of boarding houses across the city and take action against businesses found operating outside council regulations.

It has urged students and members of the public to ensure they are dealing with properly formalised boarding houses and encouraged residents to report suspected unregistered facilities to the council.

The council says the measures are aimed at improving compliance and protecting the public from risks associated with unregulated boarding houses.