The Rhode Island General Assembly has approved a bill that would allow homeowners to develop rental units in their basements or at the rear of their homes.
The legislation, which now only awaits the governor’s signature, would create a new class of “accessory dwelling units,” or ADUs. ADUs are small, separate living spaces that are typically located on a single lot next to an existing house. They may be a conversion of a walkout basement, an attachment to the house, or even a small detached house.
While ADUs are not a new concept, advocates say they offer a solution to the housing crisis in Rhode Island. They’re seen as a way to increase housing supply without having to build new, expensive homes. ADUs can also be a way for homeowners to make extra money by renting out space.
“One of the drivers of our housing crisis is the low construction rate in Rhode Island,” said House Commission on Housing Affordability Chairwoman June Speakman. “Our state has the lowest per-capita construction rate in the whole country.”
Speakman says the new law will remove some of the obstacles to building ADUs.
“Our commission learned that there are many people in Rhode Island who already have space that they’d like to use in this way, but our laws make it complicated. This bill removes some of the obstacles to building ADUs while respecting municipal land use policies,” she said.
Under the new law, ADUs would be permitted in addition to existing housing and must comply with local building codes, size limits, and infrastructure requirements. The legislation also prohibits the construction of ADUs as short-term rentals.
“ADUs offer the ‘missing middle:’ housing that is smaller, more affordable and smartly repurposes our existing buildings and garages,” said Sen. Victoria Gu. “Homeowners can be a part of the solution to the housing crisis by creating or converting a garage, basement or shed into an ADU and offering it as a long-term rental. Then they have the benefit of receiving some additional income or housing a loved one, friend or onsite caregiver. It’s a win-win.”
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
