Why Mother-In-Law (Apartments) Matter

Why does a mother-in-law matter? I’m talking about ADUs—accessory dwelling units, not my husband’s mom! (Hi, Linda. Love you too!) ADUs are apartments over garages, daylight basement suites, and backyard cottages! This kind of home can be a great living solution for renters and owners alike—with benefits for the whole community.

A key tool to keep rents and home prices under control in cities big and small is to get rid of rules that prevent all but the largest, most expensive kinds of homes. Giving owners more freedom to add living spaces in centrally-located neighborhoods boosts flexibility for all kinds of households at different stages of life. An ADU might make it possible for empty nesters to keep their home and stay in their community. Another neighbor might be able to help out a family member. Many homeowners could use income from a small rental. Or maybe you’re a renter who could cut costs and commute time by finding a modest, affordable mother-in-law apartment near work, school, or transit. 

Sightline put together a guide for communicating about this low-impact, common-sense affordability solution. You can find the full explainer here. Here’s our cheat sheet: