boardinghouse

A boarding house, also known as a rooming house, is a type of residential building where lodging and meals are provided for a fee. Typically, residents rent a private room and share common areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. The landlord or proprietor of the boarding house lives on the premises and is responsible for maintaining the property and providing the services. Boarding houses were historically a common and affordable housing option, particularly for single individuals, students, and transient workers.

The services offered by boarding houses can vary. Some provide only a room, while others include one or more meals per day, often referred to as full board or half board. The atmosphere of a boarding house can range from a formal, structured environment to a more communal and familial setting, depending on the proprietor and the residents. These establishments played a significant role in urban housing throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a solution for people who could not afford or did not require independent housing. While less prevalent today than in the past, boarding houses still exist in many areas, often serving as a niche housing solution.