Rhode Island tackles housing shortage by making it easier to add rental units on to homes

A new state law in Rhode Island designed to streamline the process of developing accessory dwelling units — also known as “granny flats” or “in-law apartments” — is being hailed by advocates as a way to create affordable living spaces amid a housing crunch. The law signed by Democratic Gov. Dan McKee lets homeowners create a single accessory dwelling unit on an owner-occupied property to encourage rental units that are likely to be more affordable than many other apartments. To ensure Rhode Islanders benefit from the law, it bans the ADUs from being used as short-term rentals.