NCLA CODE OF ETHICS
Ethics & Standards
The NCLA Code of Ethics establishes the professional foundation upon which all members operate — ensuring dignity, transparency, and fairness for residents and the industry alike.
Our Commitment
Principles That Define the Profession
Membership in the NCLA is a declaration of commitment to ethical co-living practices. Every NCLA member agrees to uphold these principles as a condition of membership — creating a trustworthy ecosystem for residents, investors, and communities.
I. Resident Rights & Dignity
Treat all residents with respect, fairness, and without discrimination of any kind.
Honor the privacy, quiet enjoyment, and personal boundaries of every resident.
Provide clear, complete, and honest information about co-living arrangements before any commitment is made.
Never exploit housing scarcity or desperation to impose unfair terms.
II. Transparency & Honest Dealing
Clearly disclose all fees, rules, and expectations in written agreements before occupancy.
Represent properties honestly in all advertising and marketing materials.
Provide accurate information on unit availability, pricing, and amenities.
Disclose any material changes to co-living terms with reasonable advance notice.
III. Legal Compliance & Fair Housing
Comply fully with all applicable federal, state, and local housing laws.
Abide by the Fair Housing Act and all anti-discrimination statutes.
Maintain proper licensing, permits, and certifications for all operated properties.
Cooperate with lawful regulatory inquiries and inspections.
IV. Property Safety & Habitability
Maintain all properties in safe, clean, and habitable condition at all times.
Address maintenance, health, and safety issues promptly and responsibly.
Ensure all units comply with local building codes, fire safety, and habitability standards.
Never knowingly rent or operate units that pose health or safety risks.
V. Professional Conduct & Integrity
Act with honesty and integrity in all professional relationships.
Avoid conflicts of interest or promptly disclose any that arise.
Uphold the reputation of the co-living industry in all public conduct.
Refrain from disparaging other NCLA members in bad faith.
VI. Community Responsibility
Operate co-living properties as good neighbors within their communities.
Engage constructively with local governments and community stakeholders.
Support efforts to expand access to affordable, quality co-living options.
Contribute to the advancement and positive image of the co-living sector.
Operational Standards
NCLA Operating Standards
Beyond ethics, NCLA members are expected to meet these operational standards — the practical benchmarks of a professional co-living operation.
01
Written Agreements
All co-living arrangements must be governed by a clear, written agreement that specifies rent, house rules, notice periods, and shared-space expectations.
02
Responsive Communication
Members commit to responding to resident inquiries within 24 hours for urgent matters and 72 hours for general communications.
03
Maintenance Response
Emergency maintenance must be addressed within 24 hours. Non-urgent repairs must be scheduled within 7 business days of notice.
04
Security Deposits
Security deposits must be handled per applicable state law, held in appropriate accounts, and returned with proper itemization within legal timeframes.
05
House Rules Disclosure
Community rules governing shared spaces, guest policies, quiet hours, and conduct must be provided in writing before move-in and consistently enforced.
06
Insurance & Liability
All operators must carry appropriate property and liability insurance. Residents must be informed of coverage scope and any gaps in protection.
Our Commitment
Principles That Define the Profession
Membership in the NCLA is a declaration of commitment to ethical co-living practices. Every NCLA member agrees to uphold these principles as a condition of membership — creating a trustworthy ecosystem for residents, investors, and communities.
1
Complaint Submission
Any resident, member, or stakeholder may file a written complaint with the NCLA Ethics Committee.
2
Initial Review
The Ethics Committee reviews the complaint for completeness and determines if it falls within the Code of Ethics scope.
3
Investigation
Both parties provide documentation. The committee conducts a good-faith investigation within 30 days.
4
Determination & Resolution
The committee issues findings and may recommend remediation, censure, probation, or in severe cases, membership revocation.
Commit to the Standard
Every NCLA member signs the Code of Ethics as a condition of membership. This isn't a formality — it's a commitment to the residents you serve and the industry we're building together.
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National Co-Living Association © 2026. All Rights Reserved.