Co-Op Housing: Rights & Responsibilities in Newfoundland and Labrador

Co-operative (co-op) housing offers an alternative to traditional rental arrangements, giving members both rights and responsibilities in the management of their homes. If you live in Newfoundland and Labrador and are considering co-op housing or are already a co-op member, it's important to understand the legal framework, your participation role, and what recourse you have if issues arise.

Understanding Co-Operative Housing: How It Works

Co-op housing is not a typical landlord-tenant setup. In a co-op, you are both a tenant and a member-owner with a say in how the housing community is run. Rather than a profit-driven landlord, a board of directors—made up of members—governs your building based on its bylaws and democratic decisions.

• Membership: You must apply and be accepted as a member to live in a co-op. Membership gives you voting rights and a voice in management.
• Housing charges: Instead of rent, you pay housing charges, which must cover operating costs.
• Participation: Members are expected to attend meetings, vote, and sometimes volunteer for committees or tasks.

Learn more about general tenancy rights in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Member Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador Co-Ops

As a co-op housing member, you’re protected under the Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)^[1] and the governing by-laws of your specific co-op. While co-ops administer internal rules, tenants are still entitled to basic legal protections.

Key Rights Include:

• Security of tenure: Your right to remain in the unit as long as you fulfill membership obligations and pay housing charges.
• Participation: Right to attend meetings, vote, and stand for election to the board.
• Due process: Any decision to terminate membership or occupancy must follow fair process, typically including notice and the opportunity to respond.
• Privacy: Your private unit cannot be entered without valid notice, except in emergencies.

For health or maintenance concerns, reference the Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting guide for what to watch for in your home.

Co-Op Member Responsibilities

Membership means active involvement in your housing community. Here’s what co-op residents commit to:

• Paying housing charges (like "rent") on time
• Complying with co-op bylaws and community rules
• Participating in meetings and community decisions
• Maintaining your unit (except for repairs covered by the co-op)
• Respecting common areas and your neighbours

Failure to meet these responsibilities can lead to warnings—or, in some cases, expulsion from the co-op. Expulsion follows a defined process, typically involving written notice and the opportunity to appeal within the co-op’s own structures or, as a final step, to the provincial tribunal.

Dispute Resolution: Where to Get Help

If issues arise—such as disagreements about rules, eviction notices, or membership disputes—co-op bylaws will outline an internal dispute process. If no solution is found, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Office (Newfoundland and Labrador), which oversees all residential tenancies, including co-operatives that fall under the Tenancies Act^[2].

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice of Termination – Form RTB-8: Used by a co-op board or by a member if termination of occupancy is required. Must state the reason and follow the timelines set by the Act.
  Official Form RTB-8 (PDF).
  Example: If you receive this notice, you have the right to dispute it by applying to the Residential Tenancies Office within the notice period.
• Application for Dispute Resolution – Form RTB-12: Used by members to request a hearing at the Residential Tenancies Office, for example, to contest termination or charge disputes.
  Official Form RTB-12 (PDF).
  Example: If you feel a board’s decision was unfair, complete RTB-12 and submit to the Tenancies Office promptly.

Always keep copies of submitted forms and correspondence. For a full list of forms and updated processes, visit the Residential Tenancies Office Forms page.

Common Issues Co-Op Residents Face

While co-op living encourages community, challenges can arise, such as:

• Disputes over board decisions (fees, maintenance, rule interpretation)
• Issues with repairs or common areas
• Interpersonal conflicts among members
• Questions about expulsion or loss of occupancy

Many of these issues follow similar patterns to other rental disputes. For more details, explore Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

How Co-Op Housing Compares to Rentals

Co-op members enjoy a unique blend of stability and involvement but are also responsible for decision-making and community maintenance. Unlike private rentals, eviction or expulsion from a co-op typically requires additional process and member involvement.

Interested in other rental options or moving between cities? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find the right fit for your next move.

FAQ: Co-operative Housing in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Can I be evicted from a co-op without notice?
   No. Co-op members must receive written notice that follows due process, including reasons for termination and any timelines/procedures outlined by the Residential Tenancies Act and co-op bylaws.
2. Are co-op housing charges considered "rent"?
   Housing charges in a co-op act similarly to rent but are determined by the community to cover actual costs, not profit. They must still be paid on time, and disputes are handled as tenancy matters when applicable.
3. Who handles disputes if I have a problem with my co-op?
   Start with the internal co-op dispute process. If unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office, where a hearing can be scheduled for tenancy-related issues.
4. What if I disagree with a co-op board decision?
   You can appeal within the co-op following its bylaws. For serious decisions like membership termination, use the Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-12) to request an official review.
5. Do co-ops accept anyone as a member?
   Most co-ops have selection criteria for accepting new members. Membership may depend on participation ability, willingness to follow rules, and availability of units.

Key Takeaways for Co-Op Tenants

• Co-op membership means both rights and responsibilities in your housing community
• Disputes should be resolved using the co-op’s process first, then the Residential Tenancies Office
• Always read and understand your co-op bylaws and stay up to date on the Residential Tenancies Act

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Newfoundland and Labrador) – Call: 1-877-829-2608
• Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada: Resources for Co-ops
• Tenants can also connect with community legal clinics or the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador for independent advice
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador – Provincial overview of tenant protections

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNL 2018 c.R-14.1. Official Legislation
2. Residential Tenancies Office (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador): https://www.gov.nl.ca/dgsnl/landlord/residential-tenancies-office/

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy