It's time to tackle the landlord menace

If you are a young Zimbabwean trying to build a life whether you are a recent graduate, a young professional, or an aspiring entrepreneur chances are you have already met your number one obstacle: the landlord.

For many, this figure has become a source of daily stress. He is the one who sets rents in U.S. dollars far beyond what seems reasonable, for spaces that are often cramped, poorly maintained, and sometimes even unsafe. He is the one who demands payment the moment rent is due, yet disappears when the roof leaks or the water stops running. In a country bursting with youthful potential, too many find themselves trapped in a cycle of paying for overpriced, substandard housing with no path toward owning a home of their own.

This is not merely an inconvenience. It is a systemic issue that undermines the stability and future of an entire generation. When a young person's income is swallowed by rent, what remains for saving? For investing in skills? For starting a business? The truth is, the current rental environment does not just drain wallets it drains ambition. It keeps young people from putting down roots, building assets, and fully contributing to the economy.

We are not speaking of every landlord. There are responsible ones. But the growing "menace" of exploitative practices from arbitrary rent hikes to ignoring basic living standards has become too widespread to ignore. This is a challenge that calls for leadership and action.

We believe this is an opportunity for government to step in not as an opponent of private enterprise, but as a guardian of public welfare and a partner in progress. By introducing clear regulations and forward-thinking policies, we can create a fairer housing market that works for everyone.

What might this look like? It could include establishing a transparent framework for rent reviews, so that increases are reasonable and predictable. It could mean enforcing basic standards for health and safety, so tenants do not have to accept unacceptable conditions. It could also involve promoting public-private partnerships to increase the supply of affordable, dignified housing, especially for young people and low-income families.

Beyond regulation, there is also a need for innovative solutions. Why not explore ways to help young people transition from renting to owning? Schemes that convert rental payments into mortgage contributions, or incentives for developers to build affordable starter homes, could change lives and unlock economic energy.

This is not about targeting individuals. It is about fixing a system that has become unbalanced. When young people are financially strangled by housing costs, everyone loses. But when they are enabled to rent fairly, save, and eventually own, the whole nation gains.

We urge our leaders to take a closer look at the "landlord menace." By addressing this issue with courage and vision, government can help secure the future of Zimbabwe's youth and build a more stable, prosperous society for all.