MDUs

MDUs stand for multi-dwelling units and refer to residential buildings designed to house more than one separate dwelling unit within a single structure or development. MDUs include apartment buildings, condominiums, townhome complexes that share walls or common areas, and housing cooperatives. They range from mid-rise to high-rise forms and may be built as stand-alone projects or as parts of larger urban redevelopment.

In terms of design, MDUs organize living spaces around shared amenities and circulation cores. Each unit typically contains private living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms, with some utilities metered separately for each unit, while others are combined via shared facilities. Common areas such as lobbies, corridors, gyms, recreational rooms, and outdoor spaces are maintained by a management entity.

Ownership and governance vary by market. Rental MDUs may be owned by a single landlord or a property management company. Condominiums involve individually owned units with a condominium association that manages shared ownership of common elements. Cooperatives involve residents owning shares in a corporation that holds title to the property, with residents receiving occupancy rights.

Regulation and planning for MDUs involves zoning and building codes, fire safety standards, accessibility requirements, and energy efficiency mandates. Development considerations include site density, parking, traffic impact, and integration with public transit. Economic aspects cover construction costs, financing, rent or HOA fees, and upkeep of shared infrastructure.

MDUs play a central role in urban housing, offering density and shared resources while presenting governance and management challenges that require coordinated ownership, maintenance, and compliance with local regulations.