USTU is a limited equity housing cooperative (LEHC), a legal entity that allows for cooperative ownership and management of the co-op buildings.
Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives are developed to offer permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income households. The development of these types of cooperatives is often funded with a combination of private and public funds. Share prices in these cooperatives are usually low, and member households may not own more than one share. To further preserve affordability and prevent speculative resale, price restrictions are put on the sale of shares.
California legislation recognizes and regulates limited-equity housing cooperatives. This legislation assures the long-term affordability of shares by limiting share price increases to no more than 10% per year and mandates that any profits from a sale of the entire cooperative be dedicated to public or charitable entities.
USTU is governed by our bylaws, which outline the rights and responsibilities of members and residents. The Articles of Incorporation lays out our purpose and structure.
USTU Articles of Incorporation.PDF.pdf
USTU has renter members and owner members. This framework governs occupancy agreement between co-op owners and the co-op that is distinct from landlord-tenant law.
BLANK USTU and Owner-Member Occupancy Agreement_v.20230625-r6.20250210.pdf