Are co-ops allowed to discriminate?
Like any other form of housing, cooperatives may not discriminate based on the protected classes listed in the Fair Housing Act, which includes race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability. Historically, the basic cooperative principles include both open membership without restriction as provided by law and non-partisan in politics and non-sectarian in religion. However, many co-ops are selective in approving memberships. As communities of people who share a financial obligation and responsibility for governing how they want to live together, it is important for co-ops to ensure that incoming members can meet their financial obligation and will abide by the rules of the community.
