Single-room occupancies are lodging space offering temporary homes or sleeping quarters for people who either cannot afford a home or do not wish to be settled in a fixed lease term. Very many tenants of these are homeless people, and they are often provided as a public benefit or as a charity.

Residents obtain temporary sleeping or living accommodation without settling into a fixed lease term. Inability to afford a permanent home is one reason for staying, but a preference for a less settled arrangement is also possible.

Public-benefit and charitable provision are common without being compulsory. The lodging purpose differs from a mission house that provides necessities without primarily accommodating overnight residents.