Why do most local landlords treat property as personal income rather than business?

A property expert has charged that the majority of residential and commercial property owners in the country are not well acquainted with the business practices of the property market. This has deprived many of establishing long-term clients and earning income that can ultimately lead to business expansion.

Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Landlords and Tenants Information Referral Centre (LTIRC) Director Roban Muke also observed that most of them are also aware of the contents of the laws that govern the property sector including the Lands Act, Rent Act and the Landlords and Tenants (Business Premises) Act.

“Few of the landlords have knowledge on how to run a business, and interestingly, they are not aware of the contents of the law that governs the business act. There are a lot of issues and disputes and failures in meeting the demands of the client’s needs.”

Muke revealed that most of the properties, especially in the residential sector, are mostly unmaintained, despite the constant increase of rentals. There is poor property maintenance in terms of plumbing, roofing, and electrical issues.

And many ignore the Rent Act, issuing illegal vacation notices. Largely, many of the landlords conduct cash-only transactions without a written lease and a failure to provide the necessary receipts. This often leads to client dissatisfaction, with some properties deeply affected by lack of occupation ultimately robbing the landlord of the pertinent income.

Muke called for immediate sensitization and engagements with the landlords, urging the relevant government bodies and allies to collaborate massively.

Article by Samuel Mutale