Living in a Housing Co-op

Being a co-op member means having control over your housing. It also means you have a responsibility to make sure that your co-op is a well-managed and pleasant place to live. If you join a co-op, you will be expected to do the following:

• Buy shares in the co-op
  
• Pay a monthly housing charge
  
• Attend members’ meetings
  
• Participate in running the co-op
  • join a committee or the board
  • help with maintenance
  • organize social events

Before you apply to become a member, ask yourself if you will have the time and energy to participate in your co-op. The above guidelines are part of the co-operative principles which all co-operatives put into practice:

• open membership
• democratic member control
• economic participation
• independence
• co-operative education
• co-operation with other co-operatives
• community.

Who lives in co-ops?
Housing co-ops are mixed communities. Members of housing co-ops come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of incomes. Some members pay the full housing charge. This is often called a "market" housing charge. Other members with lower incomes pay less. This is called a subsidized housing charge. Some units in every co-op are subsidized.

What is subsidy?
Non-profit housing co-ops receive money from the government (federal and/or provincial) to help the co-op subsidize a certain number of housing units. The housing charge for these units is adjusted to the income of the household. If a household qualifies for a subsidy, their housing charge is usually set at 25-30% of the household’s income plus charges for utilities.

How do I apply for co-op housing?
Most co-ops have waiting lists of people who would like to move in. These lists are particularly long for people who need subsidized housing. The standard wait to get into a housing co-op is between three months and three years.
View a list of co-ops on our vacancies list.

At a glance comparison of different types of housing in BC

Frequently asked questions about housing co-ops.
Applying for co-op housing.

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