Download or Order 'The ABCs of ADUs'

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.

The ABCs of ADUS is a primer for elected officials, policymakers, local leaders, homeowners, consumers and others to learn what accessory dwelling units are and how and why they are built. The guide also suggests best practices for how towns, cities, counties and states can include ADUs in their mix of housing options.

To get a copy of this 20-page introductory guide:

1. Call AARP customer service at 888-OUR-AARP (or 888-687-2277): Say you want to order publication #D20473
   
   
2. Email Fulfillment@AARP.org: Type "ABCs of ADUs, #D20473" into the subject line and provide: Your Name, Mailing Address, City, State, Zip Code
   
   
3. Download the PDF

^{Bulk orders will be considered. Please write to Livable@AARP.org with an explanation of the request.}

VIDEOS

• Watch a webinar led by Eli Spevak, co-author of The ABCs of ADUs
• Take a look at an ADU project funded by an AARP Community Challenge grant

RELATED ARTICLES

• Making Big Sense of Small Homes
• New Hampshire Says Yes to ADUS
• Two Houses in One for a Home Within a Home
• AARP Livable A-Z Archives: Housing

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• AccessoryDwellings.org (including ADU Project Case Studies)
• American Planning Association KnowledgeBase: Accessory Dwelling Units
• BuildingAnADU.com

^{Page published May 2019}