CHAPTER 164
FORMERLY
SENATE BILL NO. 59
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INNOVATIVE HOUSING OPTION PROGRAMS WITHIN THE ELDERLY HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAM, DIVISION OF AGING, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES.
WHEREAS, Accessory Apartments are apartments created in the surplus space in single family homes; and
WHEREAS, Accessory Apartments have been proven to be an effective means of helping older homeowners stay in their homes by providing rental income, security, and services in exchange for rent reductions; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that there are 12.2 million homeowners in the U.S. who are over 55 and live in households of two persons or less and own homes of five (5) rooms or more; and
WHEREAS, if older citizens are the renters, Accessory Apartments have also provided low cost housing and the opportunity to live near but not with their relatives; and
WHEREAS, the potential of Accessory Apartments as a business opportunity for builders and lenders is great; and
WHEREAS, according to national consultants, the most effective activity that state government can undertake is marketing and counseling.
NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
Section 1. Amend Title 31, Chapter 37 of the Delaware Code by adding a new section 3704(10), which shall read as follows:
"(10) Promote accessory apartments and other innovative housing options for elderly citizens, both as renters and rentees: by 1) making information available to elderly citizens and the community, 2) bringing together realtors, local government zoning agencies, non-profit organizations, lenders, home health care agencies, etc. to promote and facilitate accessory apartments, 3) counseling senior citizens, their families, and potential renters, and 4) other activities that will support the establishment of accessory apartments and other innovative housing options to benefit elderly citizens in Delaware."
Section 2. Services set forth in this Act shall be provided to the extent that sufficient funding is appropriated by the General Assembly.
Approved February 8, 1990.