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If you have been searching for an "ADU for rent near me," you have probably noticed the results feel a little scattered. One listing calls it a granny flat, the next calls it a guest house, and a third calls it a casita. In most cases these are the same kind of space, just described in different ways.
This guide covers what an accessory dwelling unit is, where to look for one, what you can expect to pay in 2026, and what living in one is really like. If you are a homeowner or investor instead of a renter, the last section covers the other side: renting an ADU out for income.
What an ADU Is (and Why It Has So Many Names)
An accessory dwelling unit is a small, self-contained living space on the same lot as a primary home. It has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, so it works as a complete home rather than a spare room.
Your search feels inconsistent because these units go by many names. The same space might be listed as a granny flat, an in-law suite, a backyard cottage, a casita, or a secondary dwelling unit. A smaller version built inside an existing home is often called a junior accessory dwelling unit, or JADU. If you only search one phrase, you will miss listings filed under another. For more background on how these units work, DealMachine's comprehensive guide to accessory dwelling units is a good starting point.
The Three Types of ADUs
Most units fall into one of three categories. The type affects privacy, layout, and usually price, so it helps to know which one a listing is describing before you reach out.
| Type | What It Is | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Detached | A standalone structure, often in the backyard, separate from the main house. | The most privacy. Usually the highest rent. |
| Attached | An addition built onto the side or back of the primary home with its own entrance. | Some shared walls. Often a middle price point. |
| Internal | A converted space inside the home, such as a basement, attic, or garage. A junior accessory dwelling unit usually falls here. | Closer quarters with the owner. Often the most affordable. |
None of these is better than the others on its own. A detached unit gives you the most separation, while an internal conversion can be the most budget-friendly. Match the type to how much privacy and space you actually need.
Where to Look for an ADU for Rent Near You
Because these units are scattered across listing sites under different labels, a little strategy goes a long way:
- Start with the major rental sites. Both national and regional rental aggregate sites let you filter by location and price. Add "ADU" as a keyword, since these units are often buried in the description rather than tagged as their own category.
- Check Craigslist and Facebook groups. Many owners are individuals, so they often post here before anywhere else.
- Try a dedicated platform. Sites built specifically for these units, such as Find My ADU, let you filter for exactly this kind of space.
- Rotate your search terms. Run the same area through "granny flat," "in-law suite," "casita," and "backyard cottage" to surface ADU rentals the word "ADU" alone would miss.
Casting a wide net is the single most useful habit when hunting for an ADU for rent, since one neighborhood can have units listed five different ways. It also helps to be ready to move. Many of these units are owned by individuals, and the good ones rent quickly, so having proof of income, references, and a move-in date ready lets you respond the same day a listing goes up.
What an ADU for Rent Typically Costs
Rent varies widely by region, unit size, and amenities. Location is the biggest factor, followed by square footage and extras like in-unit laundry or dedicated parking. The ranges below give a realistic sense of 2026 pricing across several markets.
| Metro Area | Typical Monthly Rent (2026) |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| San Diego, CA | $2,000 - $3,500 |
| Denver, CO | $1,650 - $3,000 |
| Sacramento, CA | $1,000 - $2,000 |
A compact studio tends to sit at the low end of a market's range, while a one-bedroom with parking and laundry moves toward the top. When you compare listings, look at what is included before you compare the headline price.
What to Expect When You Rent an ADU
Living in an ADU is different from renting in a large apartment building. These units often feel more like a small home: a private entrance, a quieter setting, sometimes a bit of yard, and quick maintenance since the owner usually lives on the property. The trade-offs are less separation, smaller square footage, and parking or noise that can take some coordination.
Utilities are the one detail that sets these units apart. Because the ADU often shares a lot, and sometimes a meter, with the main house, owners handle utilities in a few ways: bundled into a flat rent, sub-metered so you pay only for what you use, or billed to fully separate accounts in your name. Most units rent on a standard twelve-month lease, though some owners prefer month-to-month terms.
A short, direct first conversation tells you a lot. Before you decide to rent an ADU, ask which utilities are included and how anything extra is billed, where you park, what the quiet-hour and guest expectations are, and how long the lease runs. The video below explains what these units are and how they fit into a property.
The Other Side: Renting Out an ADU for Income
If you are a homeowner or investor rather than a renter, the same unit looks like an opportunity. An ADU can turn a single-family lot into a property that produces monthly rental income, and it tends to raise the home's value too. According to Fannie Mae, ADUs are now a recognized way to add livable space and rental potential to existing properties.
The numbers can be meaningful. A unit renting for $1,500 to $2,500 a month adds roughly $18,000 to $30,000 a year in gross income. DealMachine's breakdown of whether accessory dwelling units are worth the cost walks through the math, and this ADU investing playbook shows the upside. The path takes planning, though: permits, zoning, and rules differ by city, and how local rules shape the opportunity. Remember that rental income is taxable, so DealMachine's overview of how landlords are taxed on rent is worth reading before you list.
Finding the right property to add a unit to is its own step. DealMachine's property owner lookup tool lets investors identify properties with ADU potential, pull owner information, and reach out, all from one place.
Conclusion
Searching for an ADU to rent does not have to feel scattered. Once you know the names these units go by, the three main types, and the handful of places worth checking, the process becomes straightforward. Rotate your search terms, confirm what is included in the rent, and have a clear first conversation with the owner. If you are thinking about adding a unit for income instead, the DealMachine blog has the guides to help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent an ADU?
Most ADUs rent for somewhere between $1,000 and $4,000 a month in 2026, depending on the metro, size, and amenities. A compact studio in a moderate market like Sacramento sits near the low end, while a one-bedroom detached unit in Los Angeles can reach the top of the range.
What is the difference between an ADU and a granny flat?
There is no real difference. "Granny flat" is just a common nickname for an accessory dwelling unit, along with terms like in-law suite, casita, and backyard cottage. They all describe a small, self-contained home on the same lot as a primary residence.
Are ADUs cheaper than apartments?
Sometimes, but not always. An ADU for rent can be more affordable than a comparable apartment, especially smaller internal conversions. A detached unit with private outdoor space and parking, though, can rent for as much as or more than a standard apartment.