About Us

About Backdoor Housing Co-op

Backdoor Housing Co-operative (BDHC) is a member-led, not-for-profit housing co-op. We lease homes from a superior landlord and sublet them to our members as a private landlord, providing safe, affordable accommodation with clear rights and responsibilities

We are a private landlord

BDHC is not a registered provider of social housing.

Work with us
Established in 1981 by a group of students from Imperial College, BDHC has provided affordable accommodation to its members for over 40+ years

How we work

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.  

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. .

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.

"Our member-led community is 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.

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 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

“Putting people, safety and community at the heart of every home.”

Meet the Team

Our elected officers oversee governance, communication, member support and day-to-day operations.

James Carew

Secretary

Responsible for oversight, governance processes, external partnerships and ensuring the co-op operates in line with our constitution.

Mathew Harvey

Treasurer

Responsible for oversight the Co-op’s finances, budgeting, record-keeping and compliance, ensuring strong financial control and transparency.

Andrew Orr

Membership Secretary

Responsible for all aspects of member allocation, support, onboarding and record-keeping, ensuring fair and transparent processes.

Dan Gigaseri

Housing Officer

Responsible for property related services, record keeping, tenant support through moves, and ensure compliance with legislation, policies and good practice.

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
Our policies

If you need any policy in another format or need clarification, please contact the co-op.

Want to know more about our impact and results?

Contact us