All About Accessory Dwelling Units
Four free publications (and more) about how ADUs expand housing options for people of all ages
As small houses or apartments that exist on the same property lot as a single-family residence, Accessory Dwelling Units — or ADUs — play a major role in serving a national housing need.
This traditional home type is re-emerging as an affordable and flexible housing option that meets the needs of older adults and young families alike. Find this page again: AARP.org/ADU.
GETTING STARTED
A primer for elected officials, policymakers, local leaders, homeowners, consumers and anyone interested in housing design and solutions, The ABCs of ADUs: A Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units and How They Expand Housing Options for People of All Ages is 24-page, information- and image-filled introductory and best-practices guide for how communities can include ADUs in their mix of housing options.
GET THE GUIDE
- Use the Online Order Form (Select publication D20473)
- View/download the publication PDF
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THE BASICS
From The ABCs of ADUs about ADUs as a housing option
- Accessory Dwelling Units, Defined
- ADUs Are Good for People of All Ages
- ADUs Are an American Tradition
- Practical Solutions for ADUs
- Creating (or Comprehending) ADU Rules
- ADU 'Hot Topics'
From The ABCs of ADUs about ADU types
GETTING INTO THE DETAILS
Featuring ADU policies and projects from California, Colorado, Texas and Washington, D.C., Accessory Dwelling Units: A Step-by-Step Guide to Design and Development, a publication by AARP with Blink!LAB Architecture, is a 113-page, image-filled design catalog with information about financing and budgeting for an ADU project.
GET THE GUIDE
- Download the publication PDF
- Use the Online Order Form
(Select publication D20480)
Created by AARP with the American Planning Association, Expanding ADU Development and Occupancy: Solutions for Removing Local Barriers to ADU Construction is a 104-page guide that can help community leaders, planners, and housing practitioners and advocates overcome barriers to increasing the supply and legal occupancy of ADUs.
GET THE GUIDE
- Download the publication PDF
- Coming Soon: Ordering information for the printed publication
Accessory Dwelling Units: Model State Act and Local Ordinance is 56-page publication that can be used by state and local elected officials in support of legislation to allow ADUs.
GET THE GUIDE
Articles, Videos and More About ADUs
AARP VIDEOS ABOUT ADUS
MORE FROM AARP ABOUT ADUS
STATE-SPECIFIC AARP ARTICLES AND GUIDES
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Page updated May 2023
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