Monday, September 15, 2014

Granny Pods and Mother-in-Law Cottages: More Orlando Senior Housing Options

by Michele Moon

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals in Orlando, Orange County, and from Oviedo to Winter Park to Altamonte Springs, Florida, one of our greatest joys is in seeing older adults "downsize" to new housing that truly makes them happy.

For some, an independent living community in Orlando is ideal. Others may cherish the idea of moving in with - or close to - family members.


Whether you call them granny flats, mother-in-law cottages, granny pods, or just a "guest house," renovating or constructing a second building on a property as a home for an aging parent makes a lot of sense.

Having Mom or Dad (or both) living as part of the family - yet maintaining a degree of privacy for all concerned - can be a perfect solution when the time comes for an older parent to move to a new setting where they are less "on their own."


Of course, if the parents are older Florida seniors, they may require concentrated care and proximity to their family caregivers. But in other cases, the parents may be adults 55+ or in their 60's or 70's who simply think the idea of moving to the Orlando area and taking care of the grand-munchkins daily in warmth and sunshine would be a beautiful idea!

No matter the scenario, these types of housing arrangements are common and a perfect solution for helping older parents begin the process of aging-in-place with the support of their family.

Terms like "mother-in-law cottages" are commonly used to describe a secondary building that is separate from the primary building on a property in Florida, yet also includes its own bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.


Formally known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), their legality is dependent on local zoning ordinances and HOA rules, but the municipal code in Orange County, Florida does currently allow them. See the specific Orange County ordinance concerning an ADU here.

If you are considering renovating or building an ADU or mother-in-law cottage, be cautious and carefully research the local laws and limitations. Still, even in cases where local ordinances prohibit such a dwellings, an exemption may be made. Feel free to investigate this possibility.


Communities across Florida and the entire country are beginning to understand the importance of multi-generational housing and aging-in-place opportunities for seniors.

As Certified Senior Housing Professionals, Lisa and I serve as Orlando and Oviedo real estate agents who specialize in helping seniors or their family caregivers navigate the complexities of the late-in-life sale of a home and move to new housing.

Please feel free to contact us for more information on Accessory Dwelling Units in Orlando and any issues relating to a late-in-life move for a senior. We'd love to help!


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