Room available in a Housing Cooperative

The Paradise Housing Co-operative (PHC) has two large and unique houses in central Cambridge. Each house has 5-6 members. A room is now available to let in one of them and we are inviting applications by 23rd November.

WHAT IS A CO-OPERATIVE?
Co-operatives are not-for-profit and democratic organisations run for and by their members. They are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.

We, the members, manage the co-op’s finances and are responsible for maintaining the properties.

WHAT IS PARADISE HOUSING COOPERATIVE?
Each resident automatically becomes a member of the co-op and plays an active role in running it as an organisation. Members join one of three committees (finance, secretarial, or maintenance), and are required to attend monthly meetings.

Active participation and engagement in the running of the co-op is essential and required as part of the tenancy agreement. This arrangement offers a great opportunity to learn new skills, and to get to know the people you live with as both housemates, friends, and co-op colleagues.

Due to the co-op being member-run rather than landlord-owned, we are able to keep the rent affordable. Rent and bills come to less than £400 per month, bills and council tax included. We democratically decide how to spend our budget on improvements we would like to see.

WHAT IS OUR HOUSEHOLD LIKE?
Together, we strive to maintain a house that feels like home: friendly, clean, and tidy. We like to come home and feel that it is a place where we can rest and be ourselves. We try to foster an environment where our privacy and space are respected but also enjoy occasionally getting together for meals, BBQs and other activities.

We all have different interests, professions, ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. We value this inclusive and diverse living arrangement and appreciate the need to have open, respectful discussions. The cooperative is a unique set-up, and while we aim to create a supportive environment, we embrace self-sufficiency and independence.

Our ideal housemate would be someone responsible, open-minded and emotionally intelligent. We are looking for someone who will actively participate in maintaining a clean and welcoming living space and who is motivated to contribute to the development of the cooperative.

WHAT IS THE HOUSE LIKE?

Spread across four floors, the house is shared between five people. The available room is located on the first floor and will be unfurnished.

All common spaces are already fully furnished. This includes a kitchen/ dining room, a living room and two shared bathrooms. We also have a large garden, green-fingered housemates welcome!

If this sounds like the right place for you, please reach out for the application form.