Co-op Membership vs. Tenant

Member Responsibilities

To pay the required fee for membership.
To pay promptly the monthly housing charges set by the General Membership.
To look after the unit as though it were his/her own.
As a co-owner, to protect and maintain common areas for everyone's mutual benefit.
To participate in management by coming to General Memebership meetings or serving on the Board or committee.

Ordinary Tenant Responsibilities

To pay the security or damage deposit before move in.
Tenants pay the monthly rent as set by the landlord.
Tenants do the minimum required by the lease and expect the landlord to do the rest.
Tenants leave common areas to management to worry about.

Membership Rights

To have security of tenure.
To help set the conditions of occupancy.
To participate in establishing and approving the housing charges.
To set housing charges that only cover costs with no profits to anyone.
To help create and use extra facilities: laundromat, food co-op, daycare centre, playground, recreation room, etc.
To participate in Management by coming to General Meetings or serving on the Board or a committee.


Ordinary Tenant Rights

Tenure is subject to lease.
Conditions of occupancy are set by the landlord.
Rents are set by the landlord.
Rents are set to make a profit for the owner.
Availability and use of the common facilities is determined by the landlord.
Tenants normally have no right to participate in management.