How do I become a member?

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To become a member of Phoenix Commons you must pay a one-time membership fee that leads to a deposit for a specific unit. The first fee allows you to attend co-housing meetings as a non-voting member and is non-refundable, but may be applied or credited toward the eventual purchase of a unit. To become a voting member requires reserving a unit and putting down a $3,000 deposit towards the price of the unit. This second fee is refundable 30 days after the month in which written notice is given and the unit reservation given up. At the time the second fee is paid a deadline is established to fulfill the third requirement of the 20% deposit and sign the purchase agreement and other documents required by the HOA to become a permanent member while you occupy the unit. Once this last deposit is paid, it is refundable, with written notice, 30 days after the project is completed and ready for occupancy. This is required to maintain the financing for construction. The only exception that would allow for an earlier release of this deposit is if the unit can be sold to another person and all other units are sold.

Can I sublet my home?

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Yes, you can. However, restrictions on the number of non-owner occupied units may be required by the mortgage lenders. As with traditional real estate co-ops, members will have some oversight regarding bringing in new residents. Typically, the Community Relations committee has a role in carrying out policies in this area. The city has some restrictions, which state that the resident must be 55 years or over and meet certain independent living standards to occupy the unit. For a fee, the community association could provide certain property maintenance duties to the lessee, freeing the lessor from some community responsibilities. If you are able to sublet the unit, you are still financially obligated to pay HOA fees and the fees associated with replacing the volunteer hours a member would normally perform. Usually renters who move into co-housing communities do the volunteer hours willingly as part of their attempt to become part of the community, so this cost rarely becomes necessary. The HOA will establish rules for temporary use of the units which may allow for other types of temporary occupancy, but the developer is not able to make such arrangements.

What happens if someone wants to move and sell their home?

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It has been demonstrated over the years that co-housing communities hold their price and often have a list of people waiting to purchase units when available. A committee of the Phoenix Commons community will take the lead regarding community relations. This might include maintaining a waiting list and communicating with those who have expressed interest in the community. Many co-housing communities hold informational events from time to time to reach out to the surrounding community and maintain connections with future members.