Accessory Dwelling Units Defined
Accessory Dwelling Units Defined Housing
As an independent living space, an ADU is self-contained, with its own kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping area
An ADU can be located within, attached to or detached from the main residence
An ADU can be converted from an existing structure (such as a garage) or built anew
ADUs can be found in cities, in suburbs and in rural areas, yet are often invisible from view because they’re positioned behind or are indistinct from the main house
Because ADUs are built on single-family lots as a secondary dwelling, they typically cannot be partitioned off to be sold separately
An ADU can provide rental income to homeowners and an affordable way for renters to live in single-family neighborhoods
An ADU can enable family members to live on the same property while having their own living spaces — or provide housing for a hired caregiver
Unlike tiny houses, ADUs are compact but not teeny, so they’re a more practical option for individuals, couples and families seeking small, affordable housing
For homeowners looking to downsize, an ADU can be a more appealing option than moving into an apartment or, if older, an age-restricted community
ADUs can help older residents remain in their community and “age in place” Although most local governments, zoning codes and planners in the United States use the term accessory dwelling unit or ADU, these small homes and apartments are known by dozens of other names. The different terms conjure up different images. (Who wouldn’t rather live in a “carriage house” than in an accessory or “ancillary” unit?) Even if you’ve never heard of accessory dwelling units or ADUs, you have likely heard of — and perhaps know the locations of — some of the home types listed in the box that accompanies this article.
This article is adapted from The ABCs of ADUs, a publication by AARP Livable Communities. Learn more below.
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Accessory Dwelling Units Defined
ADUs are a family-friendly community-creating type of housing that the nation needs more of
An ADU is always the smaller of two dwellings on a property. Renting out this 350-square-foot garage-conversion ADU in Portland, Oregon, helps the property owner, who lives in the lot’s primary residence, pay her home mortgage. It's also possible for an existing home to become the ADU, such as when a larger house is built and becomes the primary dwelling. (Photo courtesy AccessoryDwellings.org) Although many people have never heard the term, accessory dwelling units — or ADUs — have been around for centuries and are identified by many different names. To be clear about what’s being discussed:ADUs are also known as
accessory apartment alley flat back house backyard bungalow basement apartment carriage house coach house garage apartment granny flat guest house or cottage in-law suite laneway house mother-daughter house multigenerational house ohana unit secondary dwelling unit sidekick An ADU is a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwellingAs an independent living space, an ADU is self-contained, with its own kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping area
An ADU can be located within, attached to or detached from the main residence
An ADU can be converted from an existing structure (such as a garage) or built anew
ADUs can be found in cities, in suburbs and in rural areas, yet are often invisible from view because they’re positioned behind or are indistinct from the main house
Because ADUs are built on single-family lots as a secondary dwelling, they typically cannot be partitioned off to be sold separately
An ADU can provide rental income to homeowners and an affordable way for renters to live in single-family neighborhoods
An ADU can enable family members to live on the same property while having their own living spaces — or provide housing for a hired caregiver
Unlike tiny houses, ADUs are compact but not teeny, so they’re a more practical option for individuals, couples and families seeking small, affordable housing
For homeowners looking to downsize, an ADU can be a more appealing option than moving into an apartment or, if older, an age-restricted community
ADUs can help older residents remain in their community and “age in place” Although most local governments, zoning codes and planners in the United States use the term accessory dwelling unit or ADU, these small homes and apartments are known by dozens of other names. The different terms conjure up different images. (Who wouldn’t rather live in a “carriage house” than in an accessory or “ancillary” unit?) Even if you’ve never heard of accessory dwelling units or ADUs, you have likely heard of — and perhaps know the locations of — some of the home types listed in the box that accompanies this article.
This article is adapted from The ABCs of ADUs, a publication by AARP Livable Communities. Learn more below.
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AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures