What allows cooperative members to occupy their apartments?

In a cooperative housing arrangement, members typically have a proprietary lease. This type of lease allows the shareholders of the cooperative corporation to occupy a specific unit within the building. Unlike traditional rental agreements, where tenants pay rent to a landlord, cooperative members buy shares in the corporation that owns the property. These shares entitle them to a proprietary lease for a designated apartment.

The proprietary lease outlines the rights and responsibilities of the member, including living in the apartment and contributing to the cooperative's operating costs. This lease also allows residents to participate in the governance of the cooperative, typically through voting on matters affecting the community.

While the other choices relate to occupancy in different contexts, they do not apply to cooperative housing. A rental agreement and a standard lease are typically associated with landlord-tenant relationships in rental properties, while an occupancy permit is a regulatory requirement ensuring that the unit meets safety and building codes, but it does not confer the right to occupy a space on its own. Thus, the proprietary lease is the specific legal document that allows cooperative member occupancy.