People who live in a co-op are members of the co-op, not tenants. Together, they are responsible for the co-op. Each member in good standing has one vote and every year a Board of Directors is elected from the membership.

There is no landlord. Members make the big decisions about how the buildings will be maintained and how the business of the co-op will be managed.

Members run the co-op. Members elect a board of directors to manage the business of the co-op. Most co-ops hire staff to do the day-to-day work. Members work together to keep their housing well-managed, in good repair and affordable.

You don't have to worry about excessive rent increases. Landlords raise rents to maximize their profits. Co-ops are non-profit organizations. This doesn't mean that rents (housing charges) won't go up. Housing charges increase regularly as operating costs increase. The difference is that co-op members review the finances of the co-op and budget recommendations of the Board of Directors. At an annual general meeting the members vote on the budget. If there are housing charge increases, they reflect true costs, not profit margins.

Co-op housing is secure. Co-op members are asked to leave only if they break the co-op's by-laws. Co-ops provide secure and stable housing. You and your family can live in the Co-op for a long time and build roots in the community if you remain in good standing.

Co-op members form deep roots in the community. The co-op will not be sold for profit so members can choose to remain in the co-op for a long time. This encourages involvement and commitment to the community and allows members to feel secure in their co-op and their neighbourhood. It is easier for people to become involved in their community if they know they will be a part of it for a long time.

Co-op members are a part of a larger community of co-ops. In the Greater Toronto Area there are over 165 co-ops that are joined together in a federation where co-ops can turn for support, information and advice

At Perth, you are not a tenant but a member. With membership comes both privileges and responsibilities. Here is what that means:

Values: Here at Perth we are all about community spirit and involvement. Specifically, we work hard to cultivate kindness, respect, contribution, equality, solidarity, caring for others and harmony. To live at Perth, your values must substantially overlap with these in order for you to thrive here.

Decision-making: Co-op members have a say in how their community is managed. However, you may not like co-op living if you don't want to share decision-making responsibility.

Social interaction: Co-op living involves a degree of social interaction. In the words of one member: "Our home does not end at the threshold of our unit but at the sidewalk". If you do not enjoy creating community with your neighbours, co-op living will not be for you.

Governance: The cooperative is governed by a board of directors and managed by administrative and maintenance staff.  The Board is comprised of members in good standing who are elected by the membership for two-year terms. The Board is responsible for directing staff, financial soundness, approval of major projects, setting policies, responding to the concerns of members and fulfilling goals aimed at improving our community.

Contribution: Members pitch in to take care of the property, joining committees, participating in events, attending members' meetings, providing input in major decisions and projects, keeping units and hallways clean, help manage the co-op through board membership. If contribution and involvement does not seem appealing, a regular apartment building may be more suitable for you.

Admission: Getting into a co-op can be challenging because the co-op board must approve applicants. This process can include interviews and documentation.

Unit maintenance : While routine maintenance is included in housing charges, co-op members need board approval to make any significant changes to their units.

Sub-letting: There are restrictions on sub-letting and board approval is required.

Security of tenure: Co-op members can live in their home for as long as they are in good standing which means following the rules and bylaws and paying their housing charges on time. Co-ops in Ontario are governed by the Co-operative Corporations Act and their own bylaws.

If more information is needed about Perth Co-op, please call the Perth Avenue Housing Co-op office at (416) 588-6810 during office hours or email.