bostadsrättskooperativ

A bostadsrättskooperativ, often translated as housing cooperative or tenant-owner cooperative, is a form of collective ownership and management of housing in Sweden. In this model, a cooperative society owns the property, and individuals become members of the cooperative by purchasing a share, which grants them the right to live in a specific dwelling. This right is known as a bostadsrätt.

Unlike owning a freehold property, members do not directly own the physical apartment or house. Instead, they own a portion of the cooperative and are responsible for a monthly fee, called a månadsavgift. This fee typically covers operating costs, maintenance, loan repayments for the cooperative, and often includes heating and water. Members do not pay property tax directly; it is included in the cooperative's costs.

Bostadsrättsföreningar (BRF) are the legal entities that typically operate these cooperatives. The members elect a board of directors from among themselves to manage the cooperative's affairs, including finances, maintenance, and making decisions about the property. This democratic structure allows residents to have a say in the upkeep and future of their housing.

The primary advantage is shared responsibility and potential cost savings through collective purchasing power. It also offers a sense of community and shared governance. However, members are collectively responsible for the cooperative's debts, and major repairs or renovations can lead to increased monthly fees. Selling a bostadsrätt involves selling the share to a new member, who must usually be approved by the cooperative's board.