Step 5: What happens after I build my ADU?

ADU with flowers

Accessory Dwelling Unit. (2022). California Department of Housing and Community Development. 

https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/policy-and-research/ADUHandbookUpdate.pdf

Can I rent out my ADU?

  • Yes, you can rent your ADU or JADU but it must be for a period of 30 days or longer.
    • Exception: One ADU over 800 square feet may be operated as a short-term rental if located in an allowed zone and all the required permits are obtained. Visit the Short-Term Rental page for further details on requirements. 
  • For information on becoming a landlord visit Landlord Resources.
  • The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has asked local agencies to obtain information about ADUs including whether they are or will be rented, and if so, what is the anticipated or actual rent that is charged for any units that are rented. The city will request this information prior to approving a building permit or may send you a survey in the future.
    • Tenancy and Rental Income Form - Fillable PDF (click here)

Do I need to live in the primary dwelling unit or ADU?

  • ADUs are not subject to owner occupancy-requirements. 
  • As required by state law, JADUs that share sanitation facilities with the primary home may have owner-occupancy requirements. Check the JADU page for more information.

Can an ADU be sold separately from the primary dwelling?

  • ADUs and JADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit, except as provided in Government Code Section 66341. .

Will the ADU need a separate address?

  • Generally, a new ADU will be provided with an address designation using a ½ to indicate that this is accessory to the primary address. As example, if the primary dwelling is 300, the ADU will be 300 ½.