Residences

Residences are places where people live and undertake daily activities. The term encompasses a wide range of structures and arrangements, from single-family houses to apartment buildings, as well as transitional or seasonal accommodations.

In law and policy, residence is distinguished from related terms such as domicile and habitation. A residence may be a person’s primary home or a secondary or vacation home, a rental unit, or an institutional setting such as a dormitory, senior residence, or care facility. Residency status can influence taxation, voting, and eligibility for benefits, varying by jurisdiction.

Residential buildings are designed to provide shelter and utilities, with configurations including detached houses, townhouses, condominiums, cooperatives, and rental apartments. Other forms include mobile or manufactured homes and houseboats. Residences are subject to building codes, zoning laws, and housing markets, and they may be owner-occupied or rented.

Access to safe, affordable residences is a core component of societal well-being, influencing economic stability, urban planning, and social equity. Housing policy often addresses supply, affordability, tenure security, and quality standards.