A housing cooperative is a group of individuals who come together to form a corporation that provides housing for its members.
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What sets co-op living apart from other types of housing is its strong sense of community—residents not only live together but also work together to manage and support their shared living environment.
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At the heart of a thriving housing co-op is democratic governance. Members—who both reside in and collectively own the cooperative—hold voting rights and play an active role in decision-making. They elect a board of directors from among themselves to oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring that all activities comply with the co-op's Charter, Bylaws, Agreements, and Policies.
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Living in a co-op means sharing in both the benefits and responsibilities of community life. It’s more than just a place to live; it's a shared commitment to maintaining a healthy and inclusive living environment.
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Cooperatives exist in many forms, including food co-ops, daycare co-ops, credit unions, retail co-ops, worker co-ops, and housing co-ops. What all co-ops have in common is that they are owned and controlled by their members, who receive services based on their collective needs. In the case of housing co-ops, the service provided is affordable, secure housing.
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As a co-op member, you have security of tenure—you can stay in your home for as long as you wish, provided you follow the co-op’s rules and pay your housing charges. You also have a voice in decisions that impact your home and community. Together, members co-own and manage the co-op, forming a supportive, inclusive community made up of people from diverse backgrounds, income levels, and life experiences.
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This diversity and collective spirit are the foundation and strength of the co-operative housing movement.