Tenement houses

Tenement houses are typically multi-family urban apartment buildings, often characterized by cramped living spaces and shared facilities. They became common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in cities like New York, housing a large number of immigrants and low-income families. Designed to maximize occupancy and profit, these buildings often lacked adequate sanitation, ventilation, and safety features. The term "tenement" usually carries a negative connotation, reflecting poor living conditions, although some tenements have been renovated and improved over time, becoming part of the urban housing landscape.