tenement

A tenement refers to a type of residential building, often found in urban areas, that typically houses multiple families or individuals. These structures are often characterized by small apartments or rooms, sometimes lacking basic amenities and sufficient space. Historically, tenements emerged during the industrial era to provide housing for workers in cities. They are often associated with overcrowding and poor living conditions, leading to significant social reform movements aimed at improving housing quality and urban living standards. Today, the term can also refer more broadly to any multi-unit residential building.