The Cohouseholding Model

Is your shared household a cohousehold? While there are 22 million shared households in the United States (and FAR more worldwide) - we don't know how many are cohouseholds. These shared household characteristics define the cohouseholding model. Our research and collaboration is ongoing, and specifics of this model will evolve over time.

These factors help cohouseholders to more effectively acquire and share residential space, handle money, govern themselves, resolve conflicts, address change, and create their own unique household based on resident needs and interests.

1. Co-owned

Cohouseholds are owned by more than one, unrelated resident. Ownership may change over time and they may also have renters and non-resident investors.

2. Co-designed

Cohousehold design is determined by the residents, including how their dwelling will be shared and managed. And sometimes, residents even co-design the architecture for a remodel or a new home.

3. Co-responsible

Cohouseholders share responsibility for their home. They cooperatively govern it, sustain it, and support it using democratic principles and their personal resources.

4. Co-evolve

Like all things, cohouseholds evolve as the residents and their needs change. Cohouseholds are born, live, grow, and die - with grace.

Revised: 8/13/13