The significance of the Tenement House Act, enacted in 1901 in New York City, lay in its efforts to improve living conditions for the urban poor. Prior to the act, tenements were often overcrowded, poorly constructed, and lacked basic sanitation. The law mandated several key improvements, such as the installation of proper ventilation, minimum space requirements, and the provision of indoor plumbing. While the act was a step forward in addressing the dire living situations of many immigrants and working-class families, enforcement was inconsistent, and conditions remained challenging for years to come. It marked a crucial point in housing reform.