Homeownership Responsibilities & Stewardship
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Being Part of the Artist Housing Commons
Homeownership through Artist Space Trust is more than an individual housing opportunity. It is participation in the Artist Housing Commons — a shared system designed to support long-term housing stability for artists across generations.
This page outlines what it means to own a home through AST, including the responsibilities and stewardship commitments that make long-term affordability, care, and continuity possible.
Homeownership Within the Commons
As an AST homeowner:
You own your home and live in it as your primary residence
Artist Space Trust stewards the land beneath the home on behalf of the Commons
This shared structure keeps homes within a collective system of care rather than exposing them to rapidly changing real estate pressures. It balances individual security with long-term community benefit.
Homeownership within the Commons is designed to support stability, dignity, and continuity for artists — today and in the future.
Occupancy and Use
Homes in the Artist Housing Commons are intended to:
Be owner-occupied
Serve as a primary residence
Support long-term stability for artists and their households
Short-term rentals or use of the home as an investment property are not permitted. Temporary subleasing may be allowed in limited circumstances with advance approval, ensuring that housing use remains aligned with the Commons’ purpose.
These guidelines help protect housing stability for current and future artists.
Ground Lease and Shared Stewardship
AST homeowners pay a modest monthly ground lease, which supports:
Stewardship of the land held within the Commons
Long-term affordability monitoring
Administrative care and compliance
The ground lease formalizes the shared responsibility between homeowners and AST. It is a key tool that allows the Commons to function over time while keeping homes affordable and well cared for.
Photo credit: Flee Kieselhorst
Care, Maintenance, and Responsibility
Homeowners are responsible for:
Routine maintenance and repairs
Keeping the home in safe, livable condition
Maintaining required homeowners insurance
AST does not manage day-to-day maintenance, but may offer guidance, referrals, or support when questions arise. Caring for the home is one of the primary ways homeowners contribute to the health and longevity of the Commons.
Photo: Amy Trachtenberg at work in her studio by Jeffrey Miller
Equity, Resale, and Continuity
Homes in the Artist Housing Commons are governed by a resale formula that:
Allows homeowners to build equity
Limits resale price to preserve affordability
Ensures the home remains accessible to future artist households
When a home is sold, it remains within the Commons. This continuity allows a single home to support multiple generations of artists over time and strengthens the overall stability of the Commons.
Inheritance and Long-Term Planning
AST encourages homeowners to think proactively about the future of their home within the Commons. This may include:
Understanding inheritance options
Aligning estate planning with affordability requirements
Ensuring the home continues to serve artists over time
AST staff can help explain how homeownership within the Commons works across generations and what options are available.
Communication and Collective Care
Homeownership through AST is a partnership grounded in communication and mutual accountability. Homeowners agree to:
Stay in communication with AST regarding major changes
Participate in stewardship processes as required
Uphold agreements that protect the integrity of the Commons
These shared commitments help ensure that the Artist Housing Commons remains stable, transparent, and resilient.
Is This the Right Fit?
Homeownership within the Artist Housing Commons may be a good fit for artists who:
Seek long-term housing stability
Value community-rooted solutions
Are comfortable balancing individual ownership with shared responsibility
It may not be the right fit for those seeking unrestricted resale or short-term ownership.