‘Pay Up or Move Out’: Harare City Council’s Warning to Mbare Flat Residents

The City of Harare has issued a stern final warning to Mbare flat residents over unpaid rentals.

The Harare City Council has served final notices to residents of Mbare flats, demanding payment of outstanding rental arrears within 14 days or face forced eviction from their homes.

The residents have been served with warnings over their outstanding fees, and many of them are living in fear of leaving the homes that they know.

Final Warning Issued to Defaulting Tenants

In an official notice dated June 18, 2025, Housing Director Addmore Nhekairo warned tenants that continued non-payment constitutes a serious violation of lease agreements. The council emphasised its right to recover holding costs from residents who fail to meet their financial obligations.

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The City of Harare has issued a stern final warning to Mbare flat residents over unpaid rentals-Image Source@newsday

Please be advised that since you have ignored various reminders and notices to clear the outstanding rental arrears you are hereby served with a final notice to pay the outstanding aount or vacate the property to avoid continous prejudice to council.

You are advised to settle your obligations within 14 days from date of receipt of this final notice. Failure to pay monthly rentals is a serious breach of the agreeent of lease which mandated City of Harare to evoke the conditions of lease and recover holding costs from the same.

Deteriorating Living Conditions Amid Payment Dispute

The eviction threats come as the Mbare flats continue deteriorating into uninhabitable conditions. Despite a 2024 High Court order mandating renovations to meet basic living standards, the municipal government has appealed the judgment while demanding full rental payments.

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Council’s Revenue Collection Drive

The city is taking an initiative to recover millions in unpaid rentals across its municipal properties. However, critics argue the council cannot demand full payment while failing to maintain basic infrastructure and living conditions in the ageing flats.