Cooperative Housing

What is a Housing Cooperative?

Cooperatives (co-ops) combine aspects of renting and owning. Financially they are like renting, but they offer a level of control that is like owning. The unique part is that they require ongoing teamwork with the other members and provide a strong sense of community.

A co-op is a member-owned business that manages the housing. Each member is both a resident of the co-op and a shareholder (owner) in the business.

The co-op corporation acts as the landlord. The members, with contracted staff, manage their budget, set the policies, oversee repairs, and solve problems. The corporation owns or leases the buildings.

Co-op members share the responsibilities that a homeowner or landlord handles alone. They have more control and responsibility than renters do. They don’t have to make as big a financial investment as in individual ownership, but do have to work together.

Benefits of Joining a Cooperative

  • • Community: Members get to know each other by working together.
  • • Transparency: Members can learn the reasons for decisions that affect them.
  • • Sense of security: Living in a building where residents know each other feels more secure.
  • • Democracy: Everyone can have input.
  • • Equality: There’s a commitment to fair and equal treatment.
  • • Problem solving: Members can find ways to control costs.

Challenges of Joining a Cooperative

  • • Mutual accountability: All members are expected to contribute while they live there.
  • • Social intensity: Problems can feel extra-intense in the co-op context.
  • • Responsibility: Members decide major legal and financial issues, so they have to put time into learning and thoughtful discussion.
  • • Group processes: Working with a group of people can take time.
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Living in a co-op calls for commitment, mutual respect and a collaborative approach. It is good for people who want a sense of community and shared control, and who are able to contribute productively.

Learn More

FIND COOPERATIVE HOUSING

  • Waitlist
    Bright Street Co-op

    Burlington, VT 05401

    From $754 /month

    Bright Street Co-op opened its doors in 2016, making it our newest co-op as well as our largest. Located in Burlington’s historic Old North...

    • Bedrooms1, 2, 3
    • Bathrooms1, 2
    • TypeCooperative, Featured Listing
    View
    3 years ago
  • Waitlist
    Flynn Avenue Co-op

    Burlington, VT 05401

    From $830 /month

    Flynn Avenue Co-op is right off Pine Street and close to the bus line, three grocery stores, Champlain Elementary School, the Burlington bike path,...

    • Bedrooms1, 2, 3
    • Bathrooms1, 2
    • TypeCooperative
    View
    3 years ago
  • Waitlist
    House Of Hildegard Co-op

    Burlington, VT 05401

    From $1,000 /month

    Located in Burlington’s Old North End, this small, three-unit co-op offers a unique and special living experience for its co-op members. As an ownership...

    • Bedrooms2
    • Bathrooms1, 2
    • TypeCooperative
    View
    3 years ago
  • Waitlist
    Queensbury Housing Co-op

    South Burlington, VT 05404

    From $788 /month

    Queensbury Co-op offers cooperative community in a suburban environment. The Co-op, built in the 1990s, consists of nine attractive duplex buildings that share a...

    • Bedrooms2, 3
    • Bathrooms1, 2
    • TypeCooperative
    View
    3 years ago
  • Waitlist
    Rose Street Artists' Co-op

    Burlington, VT 05401

    From $757 /month

    Nestled in Burlington’s Old North End, the Rose Street Artists’ Co-op provides twelve unique apartments and a gallery/common space to its artist members. Located...

    • Bedrooms1, 2, 3
    • Bathrooms1, 2
    • TypeCooperative
    View
    3 years ago
  • Waitlist
    Thelma Maple Co-op

    Burlington, VT 05401

    From $614 /month

    Situated in the historic and diverse Old North End, Thelma Maple Co-op apartments are a mix of flats and townhouse-style homes that were built...

    • Bedrooms1, 2, 3
    • Bathrooms1, 2
    • Sq Ft800-1200
    • TypeCooperative
    View
    3 years ago