FAQ

 

Below there are some frequently asked questions about Surcoop. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please email us at surcoop@surcoop.org 
  

WHERE ARE THE HOUSES LOCATED?

Surcoop operates within the Fairfield Local Government Area and manages properties in Bossley Park, Edensor Park and Greenfield Park.

HOW MUCH RENT DO YOU PAY?

Surcoop tenants pay 25% of their gross household income in rent or up to market rent.  Rents are used to cover outgoings such as rates, insurance, electricity to common areas and maintenance.

HOW IS SURCOOP RUN?

Surcoop is operated by tenants who have a common need for secure, appropriate, affordable housing and a commitment to cooperate.

Membership requires time, energy and hard work.  Members run quarterly meetings, maintain and manage their houses, write constitutions and by-laws, organise finances, undertake periodic reporting to CENSW and other government bodies.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

Surcoop provides secure and affordable housing.  It also provides some support for their members in a number of ways. The major advantage is that you become your own landlord so you have a say in how Surcoop manages and maintains the housing. You also learn and develop new skills.  As a member you have a greater sense of belonging and control over your housing.

WHERE IS THE CATCH?

Living in Surcoop can be a lot of work! Members need to work together to secure, maintain and manage their houses. This means you, as a member will need to participate in meetings, be involved in working bees and share in making Surcoop successful.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LEAVE?

Individuals do not own houses, rather they are owned by Surcoop. If you leave, you have no financial claim on the property you were living in.  The property will be made available to another member on the Surcoop’s waiting list.

HOW DO YOU JOIN SURCOOP?

If you are interested in joining Surcoop, please contact us via email and we will provide you with an 'Applicant information kit'.

All applications are matched against Surcoop’s particular objectives and against the eligibility criteria, through the Board of Directors.  Depending on the scheduling of the Committee meetings, some applications may take up to 8 to10 weeks to get a response.