People
On joining a co-op and becoming housed in the CEHL Housing Program, people take on responsibilities as both a member of the co-op and as a tenant.
Each co-op actively manages their relationship with applicants, members and renters in accordance with the
- CEHL Program Principles
- International Co-operative Principles
- Relevant laws and regulations including
- CEHL Program Policy
Member Selection
Each co-operative is legally responsible under the Co-operatives National Law Act to choose their own members. In the CEHL Program co-ops must choose new members from a central database of applicants held by CEHL.
Applicants for co-op housing are required to:
- attend an information session about the Program prior to lodging a formal application for membership
- must meet the income and asset criteria
Co-ops are required to:
- follow a fair and consistent selection process that meets the Performance Standards of the Housing Registrar
- use a common set of selection criteria for all applicants
- inform applicants of the interview process and their selection criteria
- select applicants that are willing and able to meet the obligations of co-op membership
- confirm eligibility with CEHL before offering a membership or tenancy
Member Selection Resources
List of all available resources
Applicant Contact Record
DownloadApplicant Interview Record
DownloadApplications to the Program Program Policy
DownloadInterview Questions Template
DownloadMember Selection Program Procedure
DownloadTransfer Applications by Current Program Participants Program Policy
DownloadMember Selection Program Policy
DownloadBedroom Allocation Program Policy
DownloadSample CERC Residential Rental Agreement
DownloadSample CMC and Vicwide Residential Rental Agreement
DownloadCERC Property Disclosure Declaration
DownloadCERC Rental Agreement
ViewMember Resources
All co-ops and members in the CEHL Housing Program are expected to observe the rights and obligations of co-op membership and to find ways that the responsibilities of managing the co-op can be shared.
Co-ops are required by the Co-operatives National Law to offer tenancies only to people who are willing and able to meet the obligations of co-op membership.
Obligation of co-op membership
The commitment of membership is thoroughly explained at CEHL Information Sessions, so applicants can determine if co-op housing is the right option for them before lodging a formal application.
It is accepted that:
- as co-op housing is a long-term housing program, involvement will vary over time
- all members should take responsibility as a Director of their co-op at some time
- members work together to resolve any difficulties that arise
- where difficulties can't be easily resolved, members commit to following the processes in their Co-operative's Rules
Active membership
Co-op members are required to actively participate to support the co-op to achieve its goals.
The time and type of work required will vary according to the responsibilities adopted by each co-op.
- all co-ops work to achieve the future goals set by their members
- each co-op chooses their own style of management and may hold different responsibilities
| Common Equity Rental Housing Co-operative CERC | Community Managed Co-operative CMC | |
| Role |
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| Responsible for |
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| Level of involvement | High level of involvement, will sometimes contract professional services to assist in their work | Medium level of involvement |
CEHL Training and Resources
CEHL offers a range of resources and training opportunities to co-op members to assist in their understanding of the program and to gain skills relevant to co-op work. See CEHL Services for more details.
List of all available resources
New Member Workbook and DVD
ViewCode of Conduct for Co-op Members
DownloadProgram Response to a Co-op Member’s Loss of Membership Program Policy
DownloadCo-ops Developing Active Membership Requirements and Policy Program Policy
DownloadCo-op Member Transfer Application
DownloadPets Best Practice Guide
DownloadTraining
Outline of training and resources provided by co-ops and CEHL.
CEHL and co-operatives provide education, training and information for their members so they can contribute effectively, to the running and development of their co-op. This reflects the International Co-operative Principles and the CEHL Program Principles.
Co-op Training and Support
Co-ops may offer member training and support to through:
- internal mentoring, sharing skills and knowledge among members
- support for members to attend local training courses relevant to co-op operations eg: computer skills, meeting skills
- financial assistance to members to cover the cost of training in co-op related skills
- arranging in-house training for all members of the co-op
CEHL training and resources
CEHL offers a range of training and resources to co-ops including:
- a yearly calendar of regional training workshops
- self-directed workbooks available online
- regular conferences to discuss key program topics and provide an opportunity for co-ops from all regions to share information and network
- individual coaching to Co-op Directors (upon request)
- an education scholarship program to assist co-op members and their families to access further education
For details of upcoming training and events see What's on or speak to your Co-op Development Co-ordinator.
Managing Tenancies
All co-ops and tenants in the CEHL Program are expected to observe the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords.
All tenancies in the CEHL Program are managed in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and the Performance Standards for Registered Housing Associations.
All co-ops and renters in the CEHL Program are expected to observe the rights and obligations of renters and rental providers and to work together to resolve any difficulties that may arise. If a resolution cannot be found, the dispute should be resolved at VCAT under the Residential Tenancies Act.
CMCs
All rental providers responsibilities for Community Managed Co-operatives CMCs are carried out by CEHL.
CERCs
Common Equity Rental Co-ops CERCs take responsibility as the rental provider and are required to manage all aspects of tenancies including:
- establishing and ending tenancies
- educating renters about their rights and responsibilities
- monitoring rental payments
- carrying out routine inspections
- resolving breaches of the rental agreement
- taking legal action if necessary
CEHL offers resources, training and advice to assist co-ops to meet their responsibilities as landlord.
List of all available resources