A housing co-op is an organization incorporated under the Cooperative Association Act that provides housing to its members. Members purchase a share to join and elect directors to govern the co-op. Most housing co-ops in BC are non-profit co-ops with a rental model of housing. Co-op members do not have a landlord and monthly rents are called "housing charges". Co-ops are inspired and guided by the seven international co-op principles in everything they do. Find out more about life in a housing co-op.

​

Before you apply to co-ops to become a member, you need to ask yourself if you will have the time and energy to participate in your co-op.  The following 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