Accessory dwelling units (sometimes colloquially known as “in-law” apartments) can be a critical component of the region’s housing supply in the coming years.  Accessory apartments allow homeowners to create an additional unit within their single-family home, often at low cost and with minimal community impacts.  Accessory apartments are a “win-win” arrangement, as they generally have lower rents than conventional units, and the rental income helps to defray costs for the homeowner.  These opportunities can offset displacement of low- and moderate-income households, including elders, post-secondary school students, and entry-level workers, when property values and rent prices rise in recently redeveloped areas that lack affordable housing.  As a result, accessory apartments are growing in popularity throughout Massachusetts and the U.S.  Their popularity will continue to increase as average household size decreases over time and more households find they own more home than they need, but don’t want to sell.   MetroFuture calls for the creation of at least 17,000 accessory apartments in suburban municipalities from 2000 – 2030.  

However, many homeowners currently find it difficult to create new accessory units; they may be prohibited outright, or they include onerous requirements.  For example, homeowners may be required to create more parking for the unit, or occupancy may be restricted to family members.  Many municipalities see little incentive to encourage accessory apartments since, unless deed restricted, they are not eligible to be counted in the Affordable Housing Inventory, no matter how affordable they are. 

11.a    All municipalities should adopt Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaws

11.b    MAPC and allied organizations should disseminate a “best practices” model for accessory dwelling unit bylaws

11.c    MAPC and allied organizations should investigate a statewide mechanism for enabling accessory apartments

11.d    Municipalities should establish subsidy programs to support construction of accessory apartments

11.e    MAPC and allied organizations should develop a proposal for regional funding and implementation of subsidy programs for construction of accessory apartments

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