Housing cooperatives are member-owned and member-controlled organisations that provide housing. Members have a say in how the cooperative is run and share in the benefits of cooperative ownership.
What is a Housing Cooperative?
A housing cooperative is:
- Member-Owned: Owned by the members who live there
- Member-Controlled: Members make decisions about the cooperative
- Democratic: One member, one vote
- Not-for-Profit: Surpluses benefit members
- Community-Focused: Promotes community and cooperation
Types of Housing Cooperatives
Tenant Management Cooperatives
- Tenants manage their own housing
- Local authority or housing association owns the property
- Tenants control management and maintenance
- More control over housing services
Fully Mutual Cooperatives
- Members own the cooperative
- Members are both owners and tenants
- Full control over housing
- Share in any surpluses
Benefits of Housing Cooperatives
Control and Ownership
- Have a say in how housing is managed
- Democratic decision-making
- Control over maintenance and services
- Share in benefits
- Community ownership
Community
- Strong sense of community
- Working together
- Shared responsibility
- Mutual support
- Collective action
Affordability
- Not-for-profit structure
- Surpluses benefit members
- Lower costs
- Affordable housing
- Long-term security
Finding Housing Cooperatives
Application Process
- Find Cooperatives: Search for housing cooperatives in your area
- Check Eligibility: Check membership criteria
- Apply for Membership: Complete membership application
- Waitlist: May need to join a waitlist
- Membership: Become a member
- Allocation: Allocation of accommodation when available
What to Look For
- Type of Cooperative: What type is it?
- Membership Requirements: What are the requirements?
- Costs: What are the costs?
- Responsibilities: What are member responsibilities?
- Community: Does it feel right?
Member Responsibilities
Participation
- Attend meetings
- Participate in decision-making
- Serve on committees
- Contribute to management
- Support the cooperative
Financial
- Pay membership fees
- Pay rent or charges
- Contribute to maintenance
- Share in costs
- Share in benefits
Your Rights as a Member
Membership Rights
- Right to vote
- Right to stand for office
- Right to information
- Right to be heard
- Right to fair treatment
Housing Rights
- Right to accommodation
- Right to secure tenancy
- Right to privacy
- Right to have visitors
- Right to complain
Browse Housing Cooperative Providers
Find housing cooperative providers in your area. These member-owned organisations provide democratic, community-focused housing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a housing cooperative?
A housing cooperative is a member-owned and member-controlled organisation that provides housing. Members have a say in how the cooperative is run and share in the benefits.
How do housing cooperatives work?
Members own and control the cooperative through democratic decision-making. Members elect a board, make decisions about management and services, and share in the benefits and responsibilities.
What is the difference between a housing cooperative and other social housing?
Housing cooperatives are member-owned and member-controlled, giving residents direct control over their housing. Other social housing is owned by landlords who make management decisions.
How do I become a member of a housing cooperative?
Find housing cooperatives in your area, check membership criteria, complete a membership application, and join a waitlist if needed. When accommodation becomes available, you'll be allocated based on membership.
What are the costs of living in a housing cooperative?
Costs include membership fees, rent or charges, and contributions to maintenance and management. Costs are usually affordable as cooperatives are not-for-profit.
What responsibilities do members have?
Members are expected to participate in meetings, serve on committees, contribute to management, pay fees and charges, and support the cooperative community.
Do I have to participate in running the cooperative?
Yes, participation is usually expected. Members attend meetings, vote on decisions, and may serve on committees or the board. This is part of the cooperative model.
Can I leave a housing cooperative?
Yes, you can leave a housing cooperative. You may need to give notice and there may be procedures for transferring membership or accommodation.
Are housing cooperatives regulated?
Housing cooperatives are registered organisations, often as industrial and provident societies or community benefit societies. They must meet regulatory requirements and may be registered with the Regulator of Social Housing if they provide social housing.
What are the benefits of cooperative housing?
Benefits include democratic control, community ownership, affordability, strong sense of community, and the ability to influence how your housing is managed and maintained.