Definition of the word lodging house

The term "lodging house" originated in the late 18th century in England to describe a place where people could rent a room for an overnight stay. The word "lodge" comes from the Old French word "loge," which meant a small house or room, and the word "house" refers to a building where people live. In the context of a lodging house, the term refers to a communal living arrangement in which tenants rent individual rooms but share common areas such as a kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Lodging houses were often located in urban areas and became popular as a cheaper alternative to traditional boarding houses, which provided full board and room. The concept of lodging houses spread to other English-speaking countries and became known by different names, such as boarding houses in the United States and bed and breakfast establishments in Australia and New Zealand. Today, the term lodging house is not as commonly used, as it has been replaced by more specific terms such as hostels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and apartment hotels, which reflect the variety of accommodation options available in modern societies. Nonetheless, the spirit of communal living and cost-sharing that is central to lodging houses continues to influence the design of residential buildings and the way people choose to live.