A “win-win” for Yarmouth homeowner and tenant

Janice Cooper, a Yarmouth Town Councilor, said she benefited from a 2023 state law, LD 2003, which allowed her to convert a backyard art studio into an ADU. Before the law, her previous attempts to convert the studio to an ADU were prohibited by the town.

She now rents out the ADU for extra income.

“As a senior on a fixed income, facing mortgage payments and rising property taxes, I needed the rental income—and the town needed more affordable housing,” said Cooper, 79. “Now I have a terrific tenant who loves the studio and the neighborhood, and he’s been helping me with yard work and cat-sitting. It’s a win-win for both of us, and for the community, because it adds to our stock of affordable housing.”

The 625-square-foot building feels airy and spacious thanks to abundant windows and a skylight. Her tenant, Bill DeGennaro, said he enjoys living in Yarmouth and being close to family, including his sister, who lives down the street, and his mother, who resides in an assisted living facility in town.

He pays $1,800 a month in rent, including utilities. While the income is a big help, Cooper said, she also appreciates having someone nearby in case she needs assistance.

“I also like having somebody here,” she said. Bill is always available to feed her Maine Coon cat Moxie, who spends a lot of time in his “catio,” a custom-made outdoor enclosure.