HillNote
A rental housing co-operative (co-op) is a non-profit corporation in which each member-resident owns one share. A form of community housing, rental co-ops are democratically governed by their members, who may also participate in management and operational functions. Shares do not appreciate and cannot be sold, and rents are generally set to break even with operating costs such that no profit accumulates. Any surpluses are saved in a reserve fund. Canada’s rental co-ops follow a non-equity model that offers security of tenure and permanent affordability, making them an affordable housing option for low-income households and an alternative to homeownership generally.