Tenement

Dudley Drive - geograph.org.uk - 580164

Edinburgh Tenement with decorative lintel 1880

Yard of a tenement at Park Ave. LOC det.4a28182

Gladstones Land (4530213293)

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Side Sectional View of Tenement House, 38 Cherry Street, N.Y

Tenement refers to a multi-occupancy building of any sort, but particularly a run-down apartment building or slum building. In the United States, the term tenement initially meant a large building with multiple small spaces rented out, but it has come to refer specifically to substandard, crowded apartment buildings in urban areas during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Tenements are a form of housing that has been subject to much legislation and social reform over the years due to their association with poverty and overcrowding.

History

The history of tenements can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution, when a rapid increase in urban populations led to a high demand for cheap housing in cities. In places like New York City, tenements were constructed to accommodate the influx of immigrants looking for work in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These buildings were often poorly constructed, lacked proper ventilation, and were overcrowded, leading to unsanitary conditions and the spread of diseases.

Characteristics

Typical characteristics of tenement buildings include high occupancy relative to the available living space, minimal sanitary or safety standards, and low-quality construction materials. These buildings often lacked basic amenities such as indoor plumbing, adequate ventilation, and safe, accessible exits in case of fire.

Legislation and Reform

The dire conditions in tenements led to public outcry and the eventual passage of laws aimed at improving living standards. The New York State Tenement House Act of 1901 was one of the first laws that aimed to address these issues by requiring new buildings to have outward-facing windows, indoor bathrooms, and proper ventilation. This act, along with subsequent reforms, played a crucial role in improving the living conditions in tenements.

Modern Usage

In modern times, the term "tenement" is used more broadly to describe any rented multi-occupancy building. However, the historical connotation of tenements as dilapidated, overcrowded housing still persists. Efforts to rehabilitate such buildings and improve living conditions continue in many cities around the world.

See Also

• Slum
• Public housing
• Urbanization
• Housing Act of 1937