Die Genossenschaft — The Housing Co-op

Housing Co-ops in Berlin

Housing cooperatives, Wohnungsbaugenossenschaften, own a significant share of Berlin's rental housing, often in buildings from the early twentieth century, when cooperatives were founded to give workers decent, affordable homes, and in estates built after the war. A cooperative is owned by its members. To rent one of its apartments, you first become a member and buy a number of shares, which are refunded if you leave; you then pay a monthly usage fee rather than rent in the strict sense, and you usually have a strong, long-term right to stay. Because cooperatives do not aim to make a profit, their fees are often well below market rents, and in a tight housing market that makes them very popular. Many Berlin cooperatives have long waiting lists or have stopped accepting new members altogether, and the cost of the shares can be a real barrier. The rules vary from one cooperative to another, so anyone interested has to look at each one individually. Members have a say through elected representatives and general meetings, and many cooperatives have an active community life, with courtyard parties, neighborhood help and committees. That side of it is what Frau Schulz means: a cooperative is not just a cheaper landlord, but something its members are expected to take part in.