Co-ops are run by members, for members.
What is a housing co-op?
A housing co-operative (housing co-op) is a community of people who voluntarily work together to meet their common need for affordable and sustainable housing.
Members live in separate dwellings but actively participate in the management and running of the housing co-op as a whole, with opportunities for all members to participate in the co-op, according to their capacity and ability, and enjoy the many benefits this type of housing offers.
Common features
Each housing co-operative is slightly different, but they all share the following features.
- Their primary aim is to provide affordable and secure housing to their members.
- They are managed by their members.
- All members have equal rights and responsibilities in their management and operation.
- They operate according to the rules of the co-operative.
Co-operative rental housing
- Co-operative rental housing is a community-led form of social housing where the housing is run by the people who live in it. Co-operatives provide community housing in the way that people want to live, they can ‘rent like they own’.
- Simply put, people like to live in housing co-operatives. Many people will choose to stay in their co-operative through various life changes. There is an intentional mix of people in housing co-ops, which contrasts with many types of community housing. From a first home through to retirement, co-operative communities remain a popular choice for long term residents.
CEHL co-op models
CEHL has two types of co-op models
Common Equity Rental Housing Co-operative (CERC):
CERC housing co-operatives lease properties from CEHL.
Co-ops manage tenancy and maintenance, under the direction of the co-operative’s Board of Directors.
The co-op is the rental provider.
Community Managed
Co-operatives (CMC):
CEHL manages the tenancies and maintenance for CMC housing co-operative properties.
Co-ops are involved in member selection and members participate in the co-op community.
CEHL is the rental provider.
Benefits of housing co-operatives
Housing co-operatives offer many advantages, both for their members and the communities they’re a part of.
Benefits for members:
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Affordable, sustainable housing
Members get access to affordable housing. They also have a say in how it's managed. -
Ownership and security
Members feel like they own their homes and have long-term security in their housing situation. -
Community
Living in a co-op means you're part of a community where people co-operate and look out for each other. -
Skills development
Members have opportunities to learn and gain experience in different roles within the co-op, like being the chairperson, secretary, treasurer, or maintenance officer. -
Support and growth
Co-ops provide ongoing opportunities for members to develop and share skills, offer practical help, and support and encourage each other. They also provide access to education and skills development. -
Access to support
Members can access various forms of support when needed.
Benefits for members:
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Diversity and contribution
Housing co-ops contribute positively to the community's social balance and cultural diversity. They bring responsible members into the local community. -
Community enrichment
Co-ops enhance the social and co-operative atmosphere of the community, making it a better place to live for everyone. -
Strengthening community bonds
Co-ops strengthen the sense of community in the local area.
Is a housing co-operative the right fit for you?
Living in a housing co-operative can be a great fit for some people, but it might not suit everyone. Co-operatives rely on active members, and ask that prospective members consider these two main aspects:
Active participation:
For a housing co-operative to succeed, every member is required to engage in its management and operation actively. This entails a significant commitment of time and effort.
Here’s what it involves:
- attending and actively participating in regular meetings where members collectively make decisions about how the co-op is managed and operated
- taking on an official role such as chairperson, secretary, treasurer, or maintenance officer for a specific period and fulfilling the responsibilities associated with that role
- being open to learning how to perform these roles when needed
- participating in training to develop and maintain skills related to the co-op's management and operation
- actively participating in planned working sessions (working bees).
Living in a community:
Living in a housing co-operative offers a unique sense of community and shared living, which can sometimes involve a bit more collaboration and interconnectedness compared to other housing options. This is because it often involves being around other members regularly, actively participating in managing the co-op as a whole, and making collective decisions about management-related matters.
Here’s what it requires:
- the ability and willingness to get along well with a variety of people
- a readiness to genuinely listen to and respect the opinions, needs, and desires of all members
- an eagerness to actively and respectfully take part in collective decision-making processes
- a willingness to abide by the rules collectively agreed upon by all members of the co-op
How to apply for co-op housing
Housing co-op members enjoy long-term tenancies, affordable rent and are part of a supportive community.
