During the late 1800s, tenements were overcrowded and unsanitary residential buildings that were common in rapidly developing cities. They were characterized by poor living conditions, lack of ventilation and light, and inadequate sanitation. Tenements were often subdivided into small, cramped apartments, with multiple families sharing common facilities like kitchens and bathrooms. The buildings were typically old, poorly maintained, and lacked proper safety measures, making them prone to accidents and fires. Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate ventilation contributed to the spread of diseases and epidemics in tenement neighborhoods. Social problems such as crime, poverty, and delinquency were also prevalent in these densely populated areas. Tenements became notorious symbols of urban blight and inequality during this period.