Finding affordable housing has become difficult for many New Yorkers, and rising rents are forcing some out of their homes. But one struggling Hudson Valley tenant and a landlord support are a potential new approach to the crisis.

Citlali Garcia recently stopped in her local corner store to purchase necessities she needed for the week.

Garcia, one of 28,000 Newburgh residents who struggles with the cost of living, has to leave her home of more than a decade.

"They're asking for everything," she said. "They want three times the rent, and the rent is like $1,200, $1,400 for a one-bedroom, for a two-bedroom."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Newburgh was 22% in 2020.

The median household income was more than $43,000. The average rent was more than $1,100, but that’s gone up since 2020.

One possible solution that’s becoming more common these days is the rise of in-law apartments, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Generally, they’re living spaces, usually a part of a home, that someone can rents.

"I feel like it would be helpful to not only single people or students, but single parents as well," Garcia said. "I remember that they used to go for like $700 to $900, and as a single parent, I can tell you, it's hard, getting my you know, on one income," Garcia said.

ADUs are not permitted by law in Orange County.

Advocates say ADUs increases property values and improves housing affordability. Opponents, however, say property taxes may increase, and so may possible issues with renters and maintenance.

Other factors include insurance and zoning laws, which can vary greatly by state, county or neighborhood.

Landlord Bryan Luna said ADUs could be a win-win.

"A lot of people do inquire about, inquire about if the unit is being rented," he said. "I have the garages on the side. Just about every week I step outside, at least one person says we need to rent the garages."

Luna said he finds it very difficult to be a landlord at times because he sees firsthand the people who are directly impacted.

"Having that as another source of income, making it less straightforward myself, making it so I can be more flexible with the pricing as well," Luna said.

Meanwhile, Citlali hopes the state will vote to consider legalizing ADUs under the Good Cause eviction bill soon.

"They want people making three times the rent, and it comes back to everything," Garcia said. "The wages are not being raised."