Cooperative Living
Cooperative Living is a social Movement we can participate in as Lived Experience Housing Advocates and Community leaders in Toronto. Solidarity - working together to solve problems.
What about Non-Profit Housing Cooperatives? A culture of participation. Organizing social activities and connect to your neighbours. It’s an opportunity, and a way to keep costs down. A democratic way to manage a property - and not be dependent on a Landlord. Renting out to Members at cost. One third are rent geared to income and the rest pay market rent (no profit being extracted so stay low). Yes, repair and maintenance happen especially in older buildings.
Governments help with costs and ongoing subsidy to help those needing rent geared to income. It’s a momentum we have a track record of in Toronto. High quality affordable housing that lasts.
Europe is our success story to look to. Did you know that in Vienna largely uses a cooperative living model? A one bedroom apartment to rent - about $400.00.
Let’s get Cooperative going, Toronto! Tell your MPs what is important to you by calling their office and leaving a message, asking them to get back to you at your telephone and email address to let you know what they are going to do about it.
"Governments have to decide if they're willing to allow housing to continue to be an asset class in someone's investment portfolio or if they're interested in creating market conditions in which housing can just simply be a home for someone….The choice really is that stark.
"And if the answer is no, housing is an equity investment and we're going to continue to treat it that way, then we're condemning a whole generation of people to living in unsuitable or unaffordable housing, or not being able to find a home at all." - Thom Armstrong, CEO, Co-operative Housing Federation of B.C.
Roomate Advantage: Affordable Living in Toronto
Maintaining your Responsibility as the Tenant. If choosing to take on a Roomate is helpful for you to live affordably in Toronto, the responsiblity as ‘the Tenant’ remains the same for you. Roomates (who are not named as a Tenant on the official lease) are legal in Toronto for one bedroom and larger spaces. The rent and any damages to the Landlord’s space are still your responsiblity to ensure. Is the risk worth the benefits and lack of privacy? For some it is, and it works! Here’s how to go about Sharing your rental space.
Prepare your Living Space. Advertising for a roomate online can be a quick turnaround, so prepare your space in advance to show potential roomates their living space, and what will be shared (and not shared). Clear and Clean is best. If a closet, shelves, drawers, or bed are a part what you have to offer a roomate - prepare these as ready for them to move in.
Advertise on Kijiji. Roomates are long term arrangements, not short term rentals which are not legal for Toronto Tenants. The roomate Ads on a site such as Kijijji are a good place to seek a roomate, if you don’t have anyone you know in mind. The best arrangements are with people you know and trust. In your Ad mention the living arrangement (sofa, bed, private room, shared washroom?) and any needs you have (non-smoker, no pets, full time work?). Photos are important, as well as what you can tell your future roomate about any highlights of living in your building/or area - accessible public transporation and shopping needs).
Discuss Important Needs. Meeting your potential roomate is the time to decide if they would be the right candidate for you? Are they able to meet your rent needs each month, do they seem respectful and caring about property. Do they seem like someone you could live withDo you need a deposit from them for the key cost (or fob cost) or damage deposit such as a last months rent? Discuss length of stay, guests/no guests, cooking and sleeping schedules or quiet time needs - anything you may feel important. Provide monthly bill amounts they are expected to share at the meeting.
Notifying the Landlord. If they are the one! notify your landlord and superintendent or property manager. They do not need to give you permission to have a roomate, but need to know the who is going to be on the property rental (in case of fire). You may need a form signed by you and your roomate for property management.
Challenges and Solutions. Are there Peer Support groups for roomate challenges and conflict resolution ? Yes. Communication up front and early helps every relationship succeed. A good rule is to bring up stressors that may not be understood by your roomate as important to you. Let go of the small stuff, but talk about any new boundaries in a healthy and fair way. Comprimise is what all relationships rely on to work.
As the Tenant, you always have control of whether your roomate is the right choice. Give one another one month notice (unless a safety issue for you) regarding leaving the arrangement. Be responsible, and all the best they will be too for you!
What about the Basics? Get Your Identification in order
Government issued photo identification and I.D. such as birth certificates start the process to get a signed lease agreement in Toronto. I.D. Clinics for the Homeless are a great support resource, such as at Street Health in downtown Toronto at Telephone number: 416-921-8668.