Houseboats

A houseboat is a boat or hull adapted for use as a residence on water. It can be permanently moored or navigable, moving under its own power when desired. In many jurisdictions, it is treated as both a vessel and a dwelling, requiring registration, licenses, or permissions for mooring and operation. Interiors typically include living space, a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas, with utilities such as water tanks and electrical systems.

Houseboats have appeared along European canals and rivers since the 18th and 19th centuries, with notable concentrations in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and parts of Russia. In India, the backwaters of Kerala are famous for traditional kettuvallam houseboats. In North America, houseboats developed on lakes and along coastlines as seasonal or permanent homes, particularly in urban waterfronts.

Most houseboats use a wide, stable hull such as a barge or pontoon to ensure living space on the water. They range from modest conversions to purpose-built vessels. Common layouts emphasize compact, multi-purpose rooms, insulation, and year-round comfort. Power sources include diesel generators, shore power, or solar arrays; water supply and waste systems are designed for on-board use.

Regulatory frameworks cover vessel registration, safety equipment, and mooring permissions. Zoning and environmental rules influence where houseboats can be moored and how waste is managed. Environmental concerns include energy efficiency, wastewater treatment, and impacts on waterways. In some places, floating neighborhoods receive municipal services and governance; elsewhere, they face planning or safety restrictions.