Every co-op housing community is different. Some are large apartment complexes, others are townhouses, and others are single-family houses. Some are rental, others are owner-occupied. Co-op housing models vary from country to country. But they all have one thing in common — they’re focused on community.

In rental co-ops members sign an agreement to rent their unit from the co-op. Alternatively, in the ownership model, members are shareholders with exclusive use of their housing units. Together, members collectively own the common spaces. They also share operating and maintenance costs. In addition, members make decisions democratically about how to run their housing co-op.

Watch the video to find out more.