{"id":4107,"date":"2019-02-20T09:18:52","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T17:18:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dolly.com\/blog\/?p=4107"},"modified":"2026-04-28T07:54:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:54:18","slug":"mother-in-law-suites-apartments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taskrabbit.com\/blog\/mother-in-law-suites-apartments\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Mother-In-Law Suites"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Multigenerational households are increasingly common, and recent graduates aren’t the sole demographic driving this trend. Statistics show that 24 percent of those ages 55 to 64<\/a> presently live with their children, and 21 percent of those ages 65 and older are in similar situations. Naturally, housing has to adapt. One way it has is through the addition of in-law suites.\u00a0
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A mother-in-law or “in-law” suite is an additional living space on the same property as a single-family home, where a family member can live with independence while remaining close to their loved ones. It strikes a balance for those who want to retain their autonomy and still receive support from living with family.
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These suites, otherwise known as accessory dwelling units, multigenerational dwelling units, secondary suites and “granny flats,” have a number of attractive benefits for larger families. Beyond affording an older family member their independence, they can also let homeowners run a rental from their own homes. Whatever your needs, here\u2019s how to navigate adding and maintaining an in-law suite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Mother-In-Law Suites a Good Choice for You?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, there are a few reasons the addition of in-law suites are traditionally aimed at multigenerational households. Adult children with aging parents can’t always cover the costs of long-term care. Mother-in-law suites are an alternative which places the responsibility of caretaker on the child, ensuring greater comfort for their loved one while eliminating the expenses associated with nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
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But it\u2019s not just multigenerational households that benefit from having in-law suites. When the suite is vacant, it can function as a home office, guest quarters or even a short- or long-term rental apartment. After all, just because it\u2019s called an in-law suite doesn\u2019t mean having a mother-in-law is a requirement for owning one.
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Of course, if all of this sounds good to you, you\u2019ll probably want to know what this investment costs. As it stands, adding a mother-in-law suite to your home can initially cost anywhere between $32,700 to $63,000 on average<\/a>.
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Though the price point might seem steep, adding a mother-in-law suite to your property may increase its value by a significant margin. A survey by the National Association of Realtors indicated that 33% of buyers would pay nearly $3,000 more for the addition<\/a>.
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They make an appealing sales feature when marketing your home, and are particularly desirable to potential buyers who are searching for multigenerational housing options. You’ll generate far more buyer traffic, especially if the new homeowners find the idea of moving in relatives or earning income from a rental appealing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Renting Out Your In-Law Suite<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You don\u2019t have to rely on a resale to get a return on your in-law suite investment. If you own or are considering owning a mother-in-law suite, the addition can give you a great opportunity to earn some extra money.
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First, there\u2019s the potential for short-term renting. With a few pictures of the property and a short bio, you can create an Airbnb profile and launch a small side business. The suite can serve as a secondary source of passive income, helping you earn back the initial cost of the investment.
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If you\u2019re considering making your in-law suite into an Airbnb investment, make sure you\u2019re being realistic about your local market. It will be easier to fill the space consistently if you live in a notable destination (like a tourist town or adjacent to a university). You should also consider updating the suite\u2019s design and amenities<\/a> to provide a great experience for your guests.
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For a longer-term investment, finding a tenant can be a great way to earn steady, reliable income from your mother-in-law suite. This money can help you recover the cost of creating the suite or contribute to your monthly mortgage, alleviating the financial stress of homeownership.
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While this can be lucrative, you\u2019ll want to make sure you\u2019re up for the job<\/a>. Running a long-term rental requires more responsibility, as you\u2019ll need to manage legalities, find tenants, and handle maintenance.
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Here are a few things to keep in mind before moving forward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n