An association is a member-based private organization; an unrecognized association and a recognized association differ in legal personality and liability consequences under Civil Code arts. 14 onward and 36 onward. Recognition and ETS registration are separate matters. A housing group may use an association for community activities, member coordination or services, but association status by itself does not establish a right to own or borrow on an asset or qualify for a housing scheme. Recognized status involves a public-register/administrative route; ETS status requires the statutory conditions and RUNTS inscription where claimed. Confirm who signs, owns, borrows, and bears obligations before using an association as the housing applicant.