Cooperative housing

You have to pay a share as well as rent

A cooperative dwelling consists of one or more houses or one or more apartments owned and administered by a cooperative housing society. The cooperative housing society owns the property. When you buy a share of the property, you gain the right of use to a part of the property owned by the association. In addition to the share, you must also pay rent to the housing society.

Rules and activities

As a cooperative member, you automatically become a member of the housing society. As a cooperative housing member you have the right to participate in and vote at the society's annual meeting. At the annual meeting, the members decide what rules shall apply within the association. The annual meeting also decides when and how the building is to be maintained and improved.

Subletting and exchanging apartments

Letting from the tenant

It is possible to rent an apartment from a tenant or a cooperative housing member. This is known as "subletting" and is allowed for a period of two years. Or longer, if the owner or the rules allow.

Exchanging with a tenant

In some rental properties and cooperative housing it is possible to exchange your apartment with other tenants or cooperative housing members. In other words, if you have an apartment you can exchange it with one that is smaller or larger. Or for an apartment in another neighbourhood. Enquire at the building's administration office or ask the cooperative society board whether you can exchange your apartment.