In Law Apartments – Complete Guide

By: ROS Team

If you are searching the real estate market for a townhouse, you might have come across listing descriptions referring to an in-law apartment, an in-law suite, or a mother-in-law suite. But what exactly does that mean? How are in-law apartments different from regular apartments? Let’s take a closer look at these unique apartment units.

1- What is an In Law Apartment
2- Pros of Having an In Law Apartment
3- Cons of Having an In-Law Apartment
4- Adding Something you want to do
5- Frequently Asked Questions

What is an In Law Apartment?

As the name indicates, these apartment types are designed to keep in laws or other guests close, but not under the same roof.  In fact, most in-law apartments are located on the same lot but adjacent to the main apartment or townhouse. In law units include private entrances, a bedroom, living space, kitchen, and a bathroom.

Sometimes, garden level apartments or basements are also referred to as “Inlaw apartments,” but the significant difference is that they only happen to be on the ground floor, while in law apartments can be on any floor of a building. They can also be called an accessory dwelling unit (or ADU) when the unit is completely independent of the primary apartment but located on the same lot.

Pros of Having an In Law Apartment

Some of the top benefits of buying or renting a home with an in-law suite are: 

• They’re ideal for keeping aging parents or other family members close by. The owner is able to live near loved ones while maintaining a reasonable level of privacy.
• In-law apartments are not exclusively designed for aging parents or family members; they are great for hosting guests. Guests have the luxury of being near the host without either party compromising privacy.
• An in-law unit can be used as an onsite storage space, thus limiting clutter in your primary living space. You can store seasonal items, large sports equipment, and extra furniture over there.
• Renting out an In-law apartment can be an additional source of revenue.

Cons of Having an In Law Apartment

In-law apartments are not for everyone. Here are some of the top reasons why you may want to pass on this type of apartment: 

• Having an in-law apartment on your property means higher utility costs since you’re essentially powering two apartments on the same lot.
• There are strict building codes and zoning regulations around having in-law units. It will be even more challenging to accompany codes if the primary home is located in a historic district.
• Your current homeowner’s insurance policy will probably not include the in-law apartment. Therefore, you might need to purchase a separate policy to safeguard the structure and its contents.
• In-law apartments require upkeep just like your primary residence. From vacuuming floors to clearing gutters and cleaning toilets, maintaining a guest house can be time-consuming and expensive.

Does Having an In law Suite Add Value to Your Home?

For sure, having an in-law suite is likely adding value to your home. Any extra space will be an automatic value-adding feature. In addition, extra space attracts people who either are looking to earn additional income by renting out an in-law unit, or they need the extra space for family members or guests but don’t want to compromise on privacy.

Adding an In Law Apartment to a Current Lot

The cost associated with building an in-law unit adjacent to a current property depends on how much work is needed to make that space livable. At a minimum, you’ll need to include basic features like a bedroom, kitchen, living area, and bathroom, which could cost between $50,000 and $100,000.

If adding an in-law apartment is something you want to do, here are some things to consider:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Local Building Codes

Know what’s permissible when adding an adjacent property to your lot. The in-law apartment structure will require separate permits if they’re allowed, so know what you can and can’t do before the construction process begins.

2. Location

Identify which corner of the lot the in-law unit will occupy. Again, this will depend on your local building codes.

3. Plan the Layout

You need to plan a simple and efficient design for your in-law apartment. It works best for keeping your family safe along with maintaining their independence and privacy.

4. Needs Planning

You’ll want to think ahead to what the inhabitants of the apartment will need, especially if the unit will be used for aging adults. Consider adding features like grabbing bars for the bathtub and making sure the unit is wheelchair accessible. Be proactive and incorporate these features beforehand.

5. Hire a Contractor

Find a certified contractor who is familiar with building in-law units. They’ll know which permits are necessary and will be familiar with the building codes.

FAQs

What are the benefits of having an in-law apartment?

In-law apartments offer several benefits, including providing additional living space, allowing family members to live close to one another, and potentially generating rental income.

Do I need a permit to build an in-law apartment?

The requirements for building an in-law apartment vary by location, so it’s important to check with your local building department to determine if you need a permit.

What features should I consider when designing an in-law apartment?

When designing an in-law apartment, it’s important to consider the needs of the occupant, such as accessibility features, a separate entrance, and a kitchen or kitchenette.

Can I rent out my in-laws’ apartment?

In most cases, yes, you can rent out your in-law apartment, but it’s important to check local zoning laws and any homeowner association rules that may apply.

Conclusion

Current real estate trends suggest in-law apartment suites are becoming one of the most desired aspects of a home. Buyers are willing to pay more for homes that have these units. Therefore, having a detached or attached in-law unit is a great way to improve its market value and resale potential.

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