Statutory Terms of Use

Comprehensive regulatory framework governing the ZIEA digital ecosystem and professional real estate practice in Zambia.

1. Regulatory Authority and Mandate

1.1 Establishment and Governance

The Zambia Institute of Estate Agents (ZIEA) is the sole statutory regulator for the real estate profession in the Republic of Zambia. It is established under Section 3 of the Estate Agents Act No. 21 of 2000. This platform serves as the official portal for all regulatory interface between the Institute, its members, and the general public.

1.1.1 Legislative Supremacy

In the event of any conflict between these digital terms and the Estate Agents Act or the Estate Agents (General) Regulations, 2016 (SI No. 3 of 2016), the statutory provisions shall prevail.

1.2 Functions of the Institute

As prescribed under Section 5 of the Act, the Institute's functions include but are not limited to:

  • Regulating the practice and business of estate agents.
  • Maintaining and publishing the official Register of Estate Agents.
  • Upholding professional standards and a strict code of ethics.
  • Managing the Estate Agents Compensation Fund.

2. Mandatory Professional Registration

2.1 Practicing Restrictions (Section 16)

It is a criminal offense under Section 16 of the Act to carry on the business of an estate agent or use any title implying professional registration unless you hold a valid Certificate of Registration.

2.1.1 Classes of Membership

Access to professional portal features is determined by membership class as defined in the 2016 Regulations:

  • Full Member: Fully qualified practitioners with a recognized degree/diploma and 3 years of supervised experience.
  • Associate Member: Practitioners in the 3-year mandatory mentorship and practical training phase.
  • Student/Graduate Member: Individuals pursuing recognized real estate qualifications.
  • Corporate Member: Registered firms or companies practicing estate agency.

2.2 Application and Renewal Integrity

Every application submitted through this portal (Form I or Form XI) constitutes a statutory declaration.

2.2.1 Documentation Requirements

Registered users must maintain up-to-date digital copies of:

  • Valid NRC or Passport identification.
  • Police Clearance Certificate (Fingerprints) confirming no convictions for dishonesty.
  • TPIN Certificate and Firm registration documents.
  • Evidence of a fixed physical place of business (Fixed Abode).

3. Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics

The **Second Schedule** of the Estate Agents Act defines the Rules of Conduct. Breaches are subject to disciplinary action.

3.1 Fiduciary Duties

3.1.1 Trust Account Management (Part VI)

Agents must maintain a separate "Client Account." Commingling of client funds with personal or business funds is strictly prohibited and carries heavy penalties.

3.1.2 Audit Requirements

All trust accounts must be audited annually by a ZICA-registered auditor. Audit reports must be submitted via the portal as a condition for license renewal.

3.2 Ethical Prohibitions

  • Misrepresentation: False statements regarding property value or specs.
  • Secret Profits: Failure to disclose personal interest or commissions.
  • Solicitation: Aggressive or unethical business acquisition.
  • Unlicensed Practice: Allowing unregistered staff to perform agency functions.

4. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Participation in the ZIEA CPD program is mandatory for the maintenance of professional standing.

4.1 CPD Categories

  • ZIEA Mandatory Short Courses (Level 1 & 2).
  • Accredited workshops on AML/CFT compliance.
  • Real Estate Law and PropTech seminars.
  • Attendance at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

4.2 Compliance Cycle

Members must earn a prescribed number of credit points annually. Failure to meet CPD thresholds will result in the withholding of the annual Practicing Certificate and Compensation Fund Certificate.

5. Disciplinary Framework (Part V)

5.1 The Disciplinary Committee

Established under Section 18, the Committee investigates all formal complaints. It has the power to:

  • Enter and inspect agency premises and accounting books.
  • Summon witnesses and receive evidence under oath.
  • Impose fines, suspend licenses, or deregister practitioners.

5.2 "Name and Shame" Policy

As a deterrent and for public protection, ZIEA reserves the right to publish disciplinary findings and the names of suspended or deregistered agents in the Government Gazette and on this digital platform.

6. Financial Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering

6.1 Statutory Fees (February 1st Deadline)

Annual subscriptions and Compensation Fund contributions must be settled via the portal by February 1st. Payments after this date attract automatic penalty units and potential practice suspension.

6.2 AML/CFT Obligations

Estate agents are "Reporting Entities" under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act No. 46 of 2010.

Mandatory Reporting Thresholds

  • Currency Transaction Reports (CTR): Must report cash transactions exceeding USD 10,000 (or ZMW equivalent).
  • Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR): Must report any transaction suspected of involving proceeds of crime within 3 working days.
  • Appointment of a FIC-approved Compliance Officer is mandatory for all registered agencies.

7. Estate Agents Compensation Fund (Part VII)

The Fund is a statutory safeguard managed by the Council (Section 31).

7.1 Purpose of the Fund

To compensate any member of the public who suffers financial loss due to an agent's dishonesty or failure to account for trust money.

7.2 Mandatory Contribution

No agent shall practice without a valid **Compensation Fund Certificate**. Contributions are determined annually based on the agency's risk profile and transaction volume.

8.1 Modification: ZIEA reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Significant changes will be announced via Member Circulars.

8.2 Governing Law: These terms are governed exclusively by the Laws of the Republic of Zambia. Any legal proceedings shall be initiated within the Zambian court system.

Issued by the Registrar
Zambia Institute of Estate Agents Council
Premium House, Lusaka
Last Revised: May 14, 2026