About Us
About Backdoor Housing Co-op
We are a private landlord
BDHC is not a registered provider of social housing.
Our Purpose
We create safe, affordable homes by bringing empty properties back into use. Members benefit from low, fair rents and responsibility; housing providers benefit from secure, compliant, cost-effective management.
People first. Not profit.
How we work
We lease and allocate homes
BDHC leases homes from a superior landlord under a long-term management agreement.We allocate these homes to members through a fair and transparent process following written policies.
We manage and support members
We handle day-to-day tenancy management: collecting rent, supporting members,
reporting and following up repairs, and maintaining statutory safety compliance.
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We reinvest for the benefit of community
Any surplus is reinvested into property, member initiatives, community benefit projects, and strengthening the co-op’s long-term stability.
A member-led community built on trust, fairness and shared responsibility.
Our Values
Principles that guide how we operate as a member-led co-operative.
Transparency
Clear decisions, documented policies, fair processes and open communication with members.
Accountability
Officers and members share responsibilities and uphold agreed standards.
Community
We support each other and prioritise safe, well-managed homes.
“Putting people, safety and community at the heart of every home.”
Governance & Structure
BDHC is democratically run by its members. The co-op elects officers annually who take responsibility for day-to-day operations, governance, and supporting members. Officers work closely with the superior landlord, who holds legal responsibility for major works and statutory compliance.
Elected officer roles typically include:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Membership Secretary
- Housing Officer
- Chair
- Administrator
The co-op as the “middle-man”
The co-op manages day-to-day communication with members and reports repairs, issues and compliance matters to the superior landlord. The superior landlord is responsible for completing major works, structural repairs, annual safety checks, and resolving repairs within suitable timeframes. The co-op monitors, follows up, and supports members throughout this process.
Our Timeline
- 1980s — Founding the Co-op
- 2000s — Expansion & Member Growth
- 2010s — Partnerships & Professionalisation
- 2020s — Compliance, Safety & Modernisation
BDHC was established by local residents responding to a shortage of stable, affordable homes. The co-op model created long-term, community-driven housing solutions
The co-op broadened its portfolio and welcomed more members, strengthening governance and embedding co-operative values into everyday practice
BDHC strengthened relationships with local authorities, partner organisations, and property owners, improving stability and formalising key processes
Major upgrades to governance, safety standards and compliance frameworks were introduced, ensuring BDHC continues to operate responsibly as a modern private landlord
Meet the Team
Our elected officers oversee governance, communication, member support and day-to-day operations.
Legal & Compliance
We operate as a private landlord and follow the legal, safety and regulatory requirements for rented housing in the UK.
- Registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014
- Operates as a private landlord
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Provides members with written tenancy agreements and policies
- Works with the superior landlord to ensure housing complies with Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Reports damp and mould to ensure superior landlord compliance with Awaab’s Law duties
- Ensures Gas Safety, EICR, and Fire Safety checks are completed
- Maintains Safeguarding, Equality, and Complaints procedures
If you need any policy in another format or need clarification, please contact the co-op.