Resources
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Understanding Cooperative Housing Society: Types,…
A housing society is a distinct type of property ownership arrangement where ownership of property and homes is vested in an entity or organization rather than individual residents. Discover the various types of cooperative housin ...Read More
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Housing Co-ops Are Getting More…
This Canadian report, released in November 2022, compares the occupancy charges (rents) of rental housing co-ops to those of similar rental properties in the private market. The study examined housing charges in Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Toronto, and Ottawa between 2006 and 2021.Read More
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Les coopératives d’habitation au Canada…
Ce rapport canadien, publié en novembre 2022, compare les droits d’occupation (loyers) des coopératives d’habitation à loyer à ceux d’immeubles locatifs similaires sur le marché privé. L’étude a examiné les droits d’occupation des villes de Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Toronto et Ottawa entre 2006 et 2021.Read More
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North American Students of Cooperation - NASCO Properties help new student housing cooperatives by providing financing and management services, using equity from its buildings to provide collateral and equity for these groups. This makes it a vital development tool for both student and community groups.Are you curious about NASCO Properties (NP)? What’s the role of NP? ![]()
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NASCO Properties is supporting member co-ops in adapting their housing and policies in changing social and economic conditions and working to expand the number of co-ops served. In 2023, the new normal has seen many small and mid-sized co-ops feeling more uncertain about their future direction and looking for support through mutual aid between co-ops.![]()
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NASCO Properties is stepping in to identify and make connections between co-ops and providing personalized support. That looks like collecting and sharing the best practices created by our member co-ops to make our communities more stable and supportive for members, increasing the amount of paid staff services to members, and working with existing co-ops facing difficulties to permanently protect them from a predatory real estate market and preserve them as community controlled affordable housing.![]()
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Would you contribute to supporting the stabilization of co-ops by donating to our work today? Even $6 is supportive to keep this work going! ![]()
www.nasco.coop/cooperate-resist
Today marks World Habitat Day, focusing on resilient urban economies and the role of cities in driving growth. We're excited to announce on this special day that ICA and CHI are partnering on the International Legal Research and Analysis Initiative (ILRAI) to gather information on cooperative housing law. ![]()
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Housing cooperatives require specific regulations to ensure fair competition with other businesses. Without proper legal frameworks, cooperatives may face challenges, while supportive regulations can encourage growth and innovation. Therefore, ICA offices and members must understand cooperative legislation comprehensively. This knowledge will enable them to advocate for or recommend specific legal structures for housing cooperatives. The process involves documenting unified laws and policies, tracking their development, and obtaining expert knowledge from different jurisdictions to develop principles for housing cooperative laws. ![]()
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Housing cooperative laws can vary significantly between jurisdictions. Thus, we'll examine various aspects of the law on housing cooperatives, such as governance structures, membership rights and obligations, financing and taxation, dispute resolution mechanisms, and regulatory oversight. By doing so, we can create a comprehensive framework that ensures the continued success of housing cooperatives while protecting the rights and interests of all members involved.![]()
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Stay tuned for more details to come soon! International Cooperative Alliance
E-bulletins
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Latest Coop Conversations Podcast
In this latest episode, Thom Armstrong, the CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of British Columbia in Canada, joins us. Blase Lambert is also with us, serving as Treasurer on the Board of Cooperative Housing International. ...Read More
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Global Innovation Coop Summit September 27-29 – Montreal
What is causing the global housing crisis and how can circular economics and cooperation help fix it? Circular economics and cooperation can help address these challenges by promoting sustainable building practices, reducing waste, and increasing access to affordable housing.Read More
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Notice of CHI General Assembly and Board Meeting
Date: October 5 2023 Time: General Assembly starts at 10:00 EDST, 16:00 CEST, 22:00 MYT Board meeting starts at 10:30 EDST, 16:30 CEST, 22:30 MYT General Assembly: Election of up to four at large board positions. Interested cand ...Read More
What is a Housing Cooperative?
What is Cooperative Housing?
Housing cooperatives are jointly-owned, democratically-controlled enterprises designed to meet the common economic, social, and cultural needs of their members.
Why Become a Member of Cooperative Housing International?
CHI is a mutually supportive community of cooperative housing federations and associations in over 70 countries. Join Cooperative Housing International (CHI) and become part of the international cooperative movement.
How Housing Co-ops are Mitigating Climate Change
Environmental protection and good business practices go hand in hand. Housing cooperatives around the world are leading the way with sustainability initiatives.
Housing Co-ops for Sustainability
Co-op housing communities worldwide are building a more sustainable future by working towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This blueprint sets out targets for achieving a more equitable and sustainable future.
What's the Legal Framework of Cooperative Housing?
A cooperative is a legal entity owned and democratically controlled by its members.
How Do Housing Co-ops Keep Rent Affordable?
Cooperative housing is designed to keep housing affordable and operates on a non-profit basis.
How Does Cooperative Housing Compare with Other Models?
When you join a housing co-op, you become part of a democratic community. You join a housing co-op by purchasing shares of the co-op that owns the property. As a member of a co-op, you’re an indirect owner.
Benefits of Cooperative Housing
Housing co-ops welcome many different people, including those of different cultural backgrounds, diversities, and income levels. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.
Who is Cooperative Housing for?
Cooperative housing is great for people who want to take an active role in their community. Everyone is welcome in cooperative housing. Some co-ops are focused on providing housing for lower-income individuals, some are family-oriented, others are focused on seniors.
How Do I Start a Housing Co-op?
So, you want to start a housing cooperative? Where do you begin? First, gather your core group of members and define your goals. Then decide which co-op model is best for you. Different models are available depending on the country you are in.
Advantages of Being Part of the Wider Global Movement
Tap into a worldwide support network, accessing news, research, global best practices, education, expertise, and advice. Not to mention being part of a community of over 3 million cooperatives representing over 1 billion members!