The Tenement House Act

The Tenement House Act was a law enacted to improve living conditions in crowded urban apartments called tenements. It set standards for ventilation, lighting, sanitation, and overall safety, requiring proper fire escapes, window sizes, and adequate space for residents. The goal was to promote healthier, safer environments for low-income families living in densely populated city areas. By establishing these regulations, the Act aimed to reduce squalor and prevent deadly conditions common in poorly maintained tenements, ensuring a basic level of habitability and dignity for residents.