Written by: Samantha Guarderas

     Homeowners across the United States are beginning to demand a change in zoning laws to allow both for profit as a homeowner and provide affordable rent to tenants. There has been much apprehension about in-law suites or alternate entries due to issues of parking, traffic and the strain on utilities. However, with the job and housing markets’ current state, there has been a rise in recent meetings dealing with the topic of these alleged accessory units.

     A major issue that has been brought up about renting out space in these American suburbs is the fact that it defies what the suburbs stand for, which focuses on space for growing families. However, many of those occupying the suburbs are facing and reflecting on one of two issues: they can’t sell their homes or they simply just do not want to.

     Many of these homes are occupied by a minimal number of residents, who do not utilize the space they live in. Parents find themselves in homes that are far larger than necessary after their children go off to college and eventually settle down elsewhere. Due to this issue, Patrick Hare tells WSJ that this extra space would best be used for accessory apartments. This extra space is resulting in a generation of new renters.

     As a result of the rental market, many people are going against what has been seen as the norm in previous decades and renters are suddenly considering single-family homes. This has sparked an interest in homebuilders who are now featuring separate units in their homes.

     While these accessory units are offering affordable rent and allowing homeowners to keep their homes, they still worry and raise the question of parking spaces. If every home in a suburb were to offer these accessory units, parking would most definitely become a concern on the residential streets. What are your thoughts on the issue?