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Housing Co‑operative

General characteristics

A specific type of consumer co‑operative that provides housing for its members, who will be tenants of the co‑operative.

Ownership: a housing co‑operative is owned by its tenant-members (though the property occupied will not be owned in a tenant management model). Many are structured so that while members may benefit from profits generated (through cheaper rents etc.), they never have access to the assets of the co‑operative even if it is wound up.

Charitable status : a housing co‑operative will not be eligible for charitable status (though trustee-managed housing associations are).

Examples of use

In an "ownership" model, the co‑operative owns the housing that it rents to its members. In a "tenant management" model, the co‑operative manages the housing on behalf (and under contract with) the owner of the property, who may be a local authority or otherwise.

Legal forms used

Traditionally housing co‑operatives have registered as industrial and provident societies, though these days some register as companies.

Profit distribution

None is usually permitted, though as any surpluses generated will represent over-payment of rent by members, the co‑operative may reduce what it charges members for their accommodation.

Participation issues

In an "ownership" co‑operative, all tenants are members, and only tenants are members. Tenant management co‑operatives may not include all tenants in membership. All members are expected to participate in a collective model, and to elect a governing body in a representative model.

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