Democracy

MEET THE BOSS(S)

You may be wondering at our mentioning about housing charges rising only with increases in operating costs - who makes this decision? YOU DO!

The co-operative is democratically controlled by the members. No matter what your economic status, ethnic, cultural, religious origin, or sexual or gender orientation, you are an equal member with the same privileges and responsibilities as everyone else. You contribute your voice to the entire community's decision-making process and approve any changes to existing by-laws or new by-laws brought forward for the membership's approval.

Another way of illustrating the democratic nature of co-op membership is by comparing it to other forms of rental and affordable housing. First let us look at the similarities and differences between the rights a tenant and a co-op member have.

TENANT RIGHTS CO-OP MEMBER RIGHTS

Security of tenure subject to lease or landlord's preference. Security of tenure subject to by-laws and wish of membership.

Landlord sets conditions of occupancy. Member participation in setting and conditions of occupancy. (By-laws)

Rents are set to make a profit for the owner. Member participation in setting of housing charges to cover costs.

Availability and use of common facilities determined by landlord. Member participation in creation and use of common facilities.

Tenants normally have no right to participate in management. Member participation in management by attending and contributing to General Meetings and serving on Board or committees.

Now let's look at the similarities and differences between the obligations of a tenant and co-op member.

TENANT OBLIGATIONS CO-OP MEMBER OBLIGATIONS

No membership or other fee. Payment of a $15 lifetime membership fee.

Prompt payment of rent set by landlord. Prompt payment of housing charges as set by General Membership.

Tenants do minimum required and expect landlord to do the rest. Members look after their unit as if it were their home.

Landlord/Superintendent responsible for common areas. Member participation in protection and maintenance of common areas.

Participation in management by coming to General Meetings and serving on Board or committees.

Giving proper termination notice of a minimum of two months, five days.

TENANT RIGHTS	CO-OP MEMBER RIGHTS
Security of tenure subject to lease or landlord's preference.	Security of tenure subject to by-laws and wish of membership.
Landlord sets conditions of occupancy.	Member participation in setting and conditions of occupancy. (By-laws)
Rents are set to make a profit for the owner.	Member participation in setting of housing charges to cover costs.
Availability and use of common facilities determined by landlord.	Member participation in creation and use of common facilities.
Tenants normally have no right to participate in management.	Member participation in management by attending and contributing to General Meetings and serving on Board or committees.

TENANT OBLIGATIONS	CO-OP MEMBER OBLIGATIONS
No membership or other fee.	Payment of a $15 lifetime membership fee.
Prompt payment of rent set by landlord.	Prompt payment of housing charges as set by General Membership.
Tenants do minimum required and expect landlord to do the rest.	Members look after their unit as if it were their home.
Landlord/Superintendent responsible for common areas.	Member participation in protection and maintenance of common areas.
	Participation in management by coming to General Meetings and serving on Board or committees.
	Giving proper termination notice of a minimum of two months, five days.