Housing co-operatives (formerly incorporated and registered under the South Australian Co-operative and Community Housing Act 1991 (SA)) must (within 18 months from 1 April 2014) be incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1985 (SA) and registered under the Community Housing Providers (National Law) (South Australia) Act 2013 (SA).

They have been established on a voluntary and not-for-profit basis by people with similar housing needs and interests. Members are generally the tenants of the co-operative and they take responsibility for managing the co-operative and its affairs, including administrative (such as waiting lists) and financial management and maintenance. Co-operative members are required to take an active role in the management of their co-operative.