Increase Supply

We are over-housed   

Today’s households are much smaller than they used to be, yet these smaller households often live in large apartments built originally for the wealthy or for large immigrant households. If some of these large apartments are … Read More “SPOA Proposal: Create smaller-sized, lower-rent units rapidly in existing rental housing”

We at SPOA have been aware for many years of “naturally affordable” smaller units, lumped together as “accessory dwelling units.” Recently, the idea of “micro-units” has gained attention. They are very small, compact units, cheaper but relatively costly as new … Read More “The fashionable trend to smaller units”

A zoning proposal

In light of the density issue, we suggest limited re-zoning for these smaller units in existing housing, to create what we may call “little communities.” Rezoning for smaller units could be limited to along public transportation routes … Read More “‘Little Communities’: A zoning proposal”

Unused spaces in basements, attics, and garages are widely available for smaller units, as are large apartments that can be subdivided. The potential new supply of smaller units, then, is very large and could increase population density far more than … Read More “The density issue”

A major obstacle is a costly requirement to install fire sprinklers in all units when a fourth unit is added. Fire sprinklers save lives and property. Every new unit adds a stove and furnace, both fire sources. The requirement is … Read More “The fire sprinkler issue”

In this time of serious crisis, we need a way to respond rapidly to the need for more housing with lower rents, so that renters can reduce their rents effectively as their personal financial situation requires.

Some laws and regulations … Read More “Four Quick Ways to Create More Units with Lower Rents”