IMMIGRANTS HAD THE RIGHT TO:
- work and live in the tenements without the fear of harassment
- live in clean spaces without being surrounded by rodents, dead animals
- proper trash collection
- breathe fresh air without the fear of disease
- properly ventilated and safe living quarters
- proper fire safety and evacuation measures
"Five Cents Lodging, Bayard Street, c. 1889. This image depicts the conditions of many of the tenement residencies common in the Five Points neighborhood." -Jacob Riis
http://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/his1000spring2011/2011/02/28/opinioned-sources-on-five-points-lack-of-penance-or-patronage/
These photos depict tenant rights being violated.
http://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/his1000spring2011/2011/02/28/opinioned-sources-on-five-points-lack-of-penance-or-patronage/
These photos depict tenant rights being violated.
Even with requirements to protect the rights of the tenants, owners would only make the minimum necessary changes.
In 1879 there was a requirement that every tenement unit had to have an outside facing window. Rather than actually build these windows, the slumlords had air shafts installed which provided no ventilation.
The trash collection was never punctual, so many tenants didn't have a place to dispose their garbage. They would just toss it anywhere they could, which was usually the air shaft.
In 1879 there was a requirement that every tenement unit had to have an outside facing window. Rather than actually build these windows, the slumlords had air shafts installed which provided no ventilation.
The trash collection was never punctual, so many tenants didn't have a place to dispose their garbage. They would just toss it anywhere they could, which was usually the air shaft.
