Backyard Rentals for Mom & Dad Get the Cold Shoulder

In Seattle, backyard rentals—the result of zoning change that allows for new construction or conversion of a garage in the back of the family home—is sparking controversy for those who’d rather not see their neighborhood of single-family houses “duplexed.” But such additions could end up helping struggling residents seeking rental income, and provide a solution for those sandwiched between kids and aging parents.

From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

“‘Some of our top priorities are to promote high-density housing, to promote affordable housing, and we thought it was culturally appropriate — a way to keep large immigrant and extended families together,’ said Leslie Miller, president of the Southeast Seattle District Council.”

It could also help caregivers and sandwichers who are simply looking for a way to manage caregiving responsibility, affordably and happily by allowing Mom and Dad to have a space in close proximity. Seattle is strapped with an affordable housing shortage, but opponents fear this solution could spread city-wide. For now the legislation is limited to a low-income area of southeast Seattle.