Thank you for your interest in Riverside Landing. Established in 1985, we are a family oriented, diverse, and inclusive not-for-profit housing co-op. Perched on the city’s edge in South Vancouver, we have 57 units overlooking the Fraser River, where walking trails and green spaces abound.
WHAT IS CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING?
A housing co-operative is a corporation owned equally by each resident member. As a co-operative member, you do not directly own your unit. Instead, you have shares in a corporation, which owns the property. Membership in a co-operative gives you the right to occupy a home in the development that is an appropriate size for your family. There is no landlord. Rules and operating costs are agreed by majority vote of the members. Volunteer committees handle numerous aspects of running the complex to reduce operating costs. At Riverside Landing, we also contract a management company, a maintenance company, and a landscaping company. Living in a co-op provides safe and affordable housing as well as community living.
Email address: RiversideLandingMembership@gmail.com
APPLY TO BE ON THE WAITLIST
Due to the extreme need in the Lower Mainland for safe and affordable housing, we ask that you follow these guidelines:
* SUBMIT only ONE APPLICATION *
There is limited space on our waitlists. Please be courteous to other applicants by submitting only ONE application. If we find your application on multiple waitlists (for example, on a three bedroom waitlist AND a four bedroom waitlist), we will remove you from all waitlists.
* only apply for a unit size that matches your family size *
If you apply for a unit size that is larger than what your family needs, you will not be considered. For example, a family of four (two adults, two children) will not be considered for a four bedroom unit. A family of three (two adults, one child) will not be considered for a three bedroom unit. A couple will not be considered for a two bedroom unit. Please pay attention to the “suitable for” section before applying, and if you are uncertain which size unit your family qualifies for please ask us by emailing RiversideLandingMembership@gmail.com
If the unit size you need to apply for is currently closed, DO NOT apply for a unit you do not qualify for. We will re-open to applications as soon as space allows, so please keep checking our website.
* Answer our six-month questionnaire to remain on the waitlist *
Approximately every six months, we email a short questionnaire to all applicants currently on the waitlist. This gives you the opportunity to confirm that you want to remain on the waitlist, and to let us know if anything has changed in your circumstances. When you receive this email, please fill out the questionnaire or your application will be removed.
Please note: The chfbc website is not updated and always lists our applications as open, even when they are closed. we recognize that this is frustrating, but we do not control the information provided on the chfbc website. this website, however, is controlled by us here at riverside landing, and has the most accurate and up-to-date information.
ONE BEDROOM (Apartment) - FULL - CLOSED TO APPLICATIONS
Size: 650 sq/ft
Suitable For: 1 or 2 adults
THREE BEDROOM (Apartment/Townhouse with half basement/Townhouse with full basement) - FULL - CLOSED TO APPLICATIONS
Size: 1100 sq/ft (excluding basement)
Suitable For: 1 or 2 adults + 2 or 3 children/dependants
FOUR BEDROOM (Townhouse) - FULL - CLOSED TO APPLICATIONS
Size: 1250 sq/ft (excluding basement)
Suitable For: 1 or 2 adults + 3 or more children/dependants * Your application will only be considered if your family size is 1 or 2 adults + 3 or more children/dependants.
* If you have trouble filling out the form or require special accomodations, please email us at RiversideLandingMembership@gmail.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
FOR APPLICANTS:
Q: I’ve submitted my application. What happens next?
A: Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation copy for your records. When we have a vacancy, we will contact you to schedule an interview with the membership committee. At this time, we are conducting interviews via zoom.
Q: Why does the unit-size I want to apply for say it’s closed to applications?
A: We recognize how frustrating this can be! We temporarily close to applications because we are overwhelmed with applicants for a particular unit size. We will reopen as soon as we’re able, so please check back.
Q: If the unit size I want to apply for is closed, can I apply for a different unit size?
A: Only if your family size is suitable for that unit, though we recognize that families come in a multitude of configurations and with varying needs. If you think your family requires that unit size feel free to apply and explain your reasoning on the application, but please keep in mind how many families are in dire need of secure housing. We will never consider someone who wants a home office over someone who needs that bedroom for a child or family member. If we do not think your reason is valid, we will send you an email to let you know we’ve removed you from that waitlist.
Q: How long does this process take?
A: Unfortunately, it’s hard to say. We often go many months without a vacancy, but rest assured that we will contact you to schedule an interview when we do.
Q: Should I keep in touch with you?
A: Approximately every six months we will send you an email asking you to fill out a short questionnaire. Filling this out ensures that you will remain on the waitlist for another six months, and also gives you the opportunity to update us on any changes to your circumstances. There is no need to contact us to check on your application status. Rest assured, if you received a confirmation copy, we received your application. You will hear from us when an appropriate-size unit becomes vacant.
Q: Do you provide subsidies for those in need?
A: We have a limited number of subsidized units available, though it depends on how many members are currently on the subsidy list. Please let us know on the application form if you believe you will need a subsidy.
Q: Do you have wheelchair accessible units?
A: Yes, we do. On the application form, we ask if you require a wheelchair accessible unit. When one of our wheelchair accessible units becomes vacant, we will contact you for an interview.
Q: I had an interview but didn’t get the unit. What happens next?
A: Well, darn. We know how disappointing that can be! We will keep you on the waitlist. The next time we have a vacancy, we will contact you for another interview.
Q: Do you do a credit check?
A: Yes, but only if you’re offered membership. At that time, we will ask you to fill out a permission form so we can run a credit-check.
Q: Can I see the unit?
A: Absolutely! If we offer you membership we will schedule a time for you to see the unit. To avoid disturbing current occupants, we only show the unit to the person/family we are offering it to.
IF YOU BECOME A MEMBER:
Q: If my family size changes after I become a member, will I need to move?
A: To provide equitable housing for all, we sometimes need to do an internal transfer. For example, if a couple with one child originally moved into a two-bedroom unit, but over the years they had two more children, they could apply to transfer into a larger unit when one becomes available. On the other hand, when family size decreases (for example the children have grown up and moved out, and now there’s only 1-2 adults living in a 3 or 4 bedroom unit), we will ask them to transfer to a smaller unit when one becomes available.
Q: Will I need to make a share purchase before move-in?
A: Yes. Our share purchase is $5000. This is a one-time payment, and it will be returned to you upon move-out (minus any outstanding debts for non-payment of monthly dues or excessive damage done to the unit).
Q: Do monthly dues include utilities?
A: No. Members are responsible for their own heat (electric), light, telephone, internet, and cable. All members are also required to obtain personal insurance for belongings and third party liability.
Q: What about laundry?
A: Every unit has a laundry hook-up, so members can install their own washer and dryer in their unit. There is also coin laundry available in the main building, for those who prefer.
Q: Who is in charge?
A: No one. It’s chaos. Ok, in all seriousness, all members are responsible for their unit, for following the co-op rules, and for being respectful to their neighbours and the co-op property. The Board of Directors, elected each year, has the legal power and obligation to carry out the business of the co-op. If something breaks inside your unit, inform the maintenance committee so the co-op can have it repaired. If you have questions about co-op rules and regulations or general questions about how things work, you can ask our property manager, or reach out to the membership committee, or reach out to someone on the board. If something is bothering you or you’ve got a great idea for the co-op, reach out to the board. (Yes, you will be provided with all necessary contact information).
Q: As a member, do I really need to volunteer?
A: Yes. We ask that all members volunteer to the best of their abilities.
Q: Are there nearby amenities for kids?
A: We have a playground on-site, along with many green spaces. There are also several playgrounds within easy walking distance east of the co-op along the river.
Q: Am I allowed pets? Cats? Dogs?
A: Absolutely!
Q: What kind of parking is available?
A: Each unit has a one-car carport. There are additional guest parking spots throughout the co-op, but we ask members not to park more than one vehicle in these spaces. There is also street parking available outside the co-op. There is no parking allowed on the co-op roadways as they are fire lanes and need to be kept clear.