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New York's First Elder CottagesOne of our elder cottages

Better Housing rents small modular homes to income eligible seniors who wish to have them installed temporarily next to the family home of their adult children or other supportive relatives or friends. The Elder Cottage concept enables seniors who are no longer able to maintain a home alone to continue living independently with the support and security offered by family living in the main house.

The accessibility and other design features built into the house also help the senior occupant(s) to remain independent as long as possible. These modular homes are placed on pressure treated timber foundation that can be cut off at ground level when it is time for the elder cottage to be moved by Better Housing to a new location.


The elder cottage program is made possible by grants received through the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal.


Elder Cottage Specifications

Type of Construction: 1 bedroom, modular ranch home

Dimensions: 24 feet by 28 feet

Foundation: pressure treated timber

Siding: vinyl

Heat: baseboard electric and propane

Water/Sewage: hooked into the well & septic system of the principal home (or municipal system, if applicable)

Accessibility: Door sizes & clearances allow wheelchair access to the entire cottage. Meets NY State senior housing specifications. Ramp at one entrance.

Amenities: appliances, carpeting, cabinets and counter top are installed.

Eligibility/Rents

The units can be rented by seniors, age 60 and older; who are income-qualified based on local income limits.  (To find out if you qualify, please contact us). Rents are subsidized through the HUD section 8 rental assistance program. Seniors pay approximately 30% of gross adjusted monthly income for rent.

Better Housing pays ordinary costs for the installation for an elder cottage.

Site Requirements

The units must be placed on a lot in Tompkins County, NY near the principal home occupied by an adult child of the tenant(s) or other relative/friend committed to being supportive of the senior. The site is subject to town zoning requirements. The sewage disposal system must be approved by the County Health Department, or the site must have access to a municipal sewage system. Other site requirements are described in the materials mailed to those who inquire further into the program.

If you have questions, please contact us.