Criteria for membership

Argyle Street Housing Co-op is a fully mutual housing co-operative; only members can become tenants and we can only give tenancies to members.

Members must be:

• in housing need
• willing to accept the responsibilities of membership
• be aged 18 or over

Who is excluded from membership?

You cannot become a member if:

• You are the owner or tenant of any habitable property in which you could reasonably be expected to live
• You are a former member of the Co-op with outstanding debts to the Co-op
• You are less than 18 years old

What is housing need?

The following factors will be considered:

Current circumstances

• homelessness;
• insecurity of present home
• threatened homelessness - including being under Notice To Quit / Possession Order;
• overcrowding at present accommodation;
• poor state of repair or lack of amenities at present accommodation;
• housing need arising from relationship difficulties
• current home not affordable to applicant.
• length of time the applicant has lived in their current circumstances

Other options open to the applicant

• Can applicant afford housing not accessible to those on lower incomes?
• Could applicant stay in current housing?

What are the responsibilities of membership?

The Co-op depends on the voluntary effort of its members and each member has a responsibility to contribute to the running of the Co-op.

Each member must:

• Take an active interest in the business of the Co-op
• Attend at least three General Meetings each year
• Abide by, and co-operate with, the Co-op’s Rules and policies; each member must therefore demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities

Procedure for becoming a member

• All applications for housing are also applications for membership.
• When an applicant has signed a tenancy agreement and membership agreement and paid £1 for a share certificate they will become a member.
• Their name, address and share number will be entered into the Register of Members

When does membership end?

• When a member dies
• If a member resigns, either by writing to the Secretary or in person at a general meeting
• At the end of a tenancy if a member does not take up another tenancy
• If a member is expelled from membership by a General Meeting using the procedure given in the Co-op’s Rules