The new law on ADUs gives opportunities for housing affordability to all.
I've been getting a lot of questions about the new Assembly Bill 1033. This is a new law that's been passed allowing people who have bought a property to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or granny flats.
Generally, ADUs are spaces connected to the main property, like a garage, that are converted into a studio apartment, a one- or two-bedroom unit, or a separate property. Before, there was a law saying that you could not sell those properties separately, and they had to remain attached to the main property as a duplex or the like.
"This new law provides some housing affordability, but expect a few challenges since this is still in its early stages."
But as of January 1, 2024, new laws and rules were adopted around this kind of property. Now, the state is allowing an ADU to be sold separately as a condo. For example, if you have a three-bedroom, two-bath house in front and then a one-bedroom apartment property in the back that used to be your garage, you could actually sell that property separately.
And you'd have a homeowners association with condo regulations and a condo layout for both properties, so you'd be splitting the property, with shared area, common space, and individual air space that is owned. This new law provides some housing affordability, but expect a few challenges since this is still in its early stages.
If you want to see this law passed in your area, you can contact your city officials and discuss it, but there is currently no area where it is legal because it is a brand-new law. Unfortunately, not many municipalities have adopted it yet.
If you have any questions concerning this law and how it might apply to you or your area, please call me at (562) 316-2915. I'd be pleased to chat with you.
