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Facebook Twitter 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: 

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 anewADUs 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 houseBecause 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 neighborhoodsAn ADU can enable family members to live on the same property while having their own living spaces — or provide housing for a hired

caregiverUnlike 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” ADUs are also known as ...accessory apartment alley flatback housebackyard bungalowbasement apartmentcarriage house coach housegarage apartmentgranny flatguest house or

cottagein-law suitelaneway housemother-daughter house multigenerational houseohana unitsecondary dwelling unitsidekick

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.

articles and to order AARP's free publications about accessory dwelling units.  

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