Definition & Meaning of "tenement"

What is a "tenement"?

A tenement is a large building that is divided into multiple small apartments or units, usually for people with low incomes. These buildings are often found in crowded urban areas and are typically older, sometimes poorly maintained, with basic amenities. Tenements were originally built to provide affordable housing for working-class families, but they are sometimes associated with poor living conditions, such as limited space, inadequate plumbing, or insufficient lighting. Despite these challenges, tenements remain an important form of housing in many cities around the world.