'ADUs By Right' passed by Mass House & Senate

‘ADUs By Right' in Massachusetts are step closer to becoming reality. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate have passed legislation that will allow Accessary Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be built 'by right'. This would allow homeowners across the state to build units on their property. Currently, ADUs are regulated by cities and towns.

Late Thursday, June 28, the Massachusetts Senate passed a version of Gov. Maura Healey's housing bond bill, The Affordable Homes Act. A key provision in the legislation would allow ADUs by right.
 
Earlier this month, the Massachusetts House passed a version of the bill that also includes ADUs by right. A conference committee will now hash out the details between the two bills. This must be completed by July 31 when the formal legislation ends.

AARP Massachusetts believes Accessory Dwelling Units could help ease the housing crunch in the Bay State.

ADUs are small secondary units often found on the same property as a primary residence. ADUs can help a variety of ways. Seniors looking to downsize while staying connected to their communities, young adults returning to their childhood neighborhoods, and individuals with disabilities who desire independent and accessible living all benefit from these affordable living arrangements.

AARP has been advocating for ADUs. AARP Massachusetts signed on to letter to Massachusetts House Speaker Ronald Mariano and House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, urging them to allow ADU’s across the state.

AARP Massachusetts, joined many partners, including Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative CHAPA, MHP, Public Health Institute of Western Mass. and several regional planning agencies in signing on to a letter led by Abundant Housing MA.
Read the letter here: ADU Joint Letter_Final_5-21 (002).pdf

The consequences of inaction are stark: Massachusetts risks losing people to more affordable states, families face housing instability, and economic growth stagnates. ADUs are a pragmatic, cost-effective step toward alleviating the current housing crisis.

AARP believes ADUs are a family-friendly, community-creating type of housing that the nation needs more of.

To Learn more about ADUs click here.

If you think this is a good idea and would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to ma@aarp.org. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.