Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative

Edinburgh Student Housing Co-op is the UK's largest student-run housing cooperative, established in January 2014 and currently accommodating 106 student residents in their premises at 28 & 34 Wright’s Houses. The cooperative offers affordable housing where rent has only increased by 69 pounds since its inception ten years ago. The cooperative operates democratically, with all members expected to contribute to the community and manage the property collectively. The cooperative's aim is to provide an alternative to the issues faced with private landlords, such as high rents, substandard living conditions, and a profit-driven approach. The cooperative's success in providing affordable housing stems from addressing the clear social need for such initiatives, especially with rising rental costs consuming a significant portion of maintenance loans. Despite challenges such as legal and financial barriers and a lack of public awareness about cooperatives, Edinburgh Student Housing Co-op has thrived due to the support of organizations like Co-operative Business Consultants, Radical Roots, and others. The cooperative operates on the principles of democracy and self-help, empowering members to make decisions and take control of their living conditions. To secure their current premises at Wright’s Houses, the cooperative engaged in a campaign to demonstrate demand and gain endorsements from stakeholders, including running a successful student referendum at the University of Edinburgh. The feedback received was overwhelmingly supportive, highlighting the struggles students face with accommodation and the need for a more community-oriented and tenant-friendly approach to housing. Through perseverance and collaboration with experienced organizers in the cooperative movement, the cooperative was able to secure the property previously leased by Napier University, leading to the establishment of the student-run housing project. Overall, Edinburgh Student Housing Co-op stands as a successful model of student-led cooperative housing, offering affordable and democratically managed accommodation to its members. Through grassroots campaigns, advocacy for stronger tenants' rights, and a commitment to democratic principles, the cooperative has established itself as a viable alternative to traditional rental options for students in Edinburgh.