Tenement housing in New York City in the 1800s I think people living in these housing would describe it as, unsafe, unhealthy, overcrowded, inhumane, high death rate, high crime rates. These are some of the struggles the early immigrants had to face looking for a better life. They were running from famine in Ireland or revolution in Germany to have a better life in the United States.

These tenement were constructed because of the growing population in NYC. These houses were constructed in the lower east side where the wealthiest were moving more up north. These houses were for about two to three families, but with the demand for housing so high, they were divided into smaller quarters. These smaller quarters were holding more people than the entire house was designed for. The access to a clean and safe toilet was not part of the deal here. These tenement dwellers shared a toilet that might not have been flushed everytime they used it or every week.

There were no laws that governed these living conditions. However, in the late 1800s, people started to react and fight for there rights to basic amenities. By Early 1900 some of these laws were implemented and enforced, which improved the living standards of tenement dwellers. These laws helped to improve the living standards. Adding to healthier and safer life for people who reside in tenements.