At one time, every city and most towns had one or more rooming houses, also called boarding houses, the precursor of the modern extended-stay hotel (see chapter 1). Cheaper than hotels or motels and with the advantage of included meals, they were the ideal accommodation for business travelers, short- or long-term workers, and those deciding whether or not to find more permanent housing in a particular city or town. Most guests contracted to stay for weeks, months, or even years. The rules of conduct were set by the owner of the rooming house, who usually owned and lived in the house as well. While this type of lodging facility has virtually disappeared from the American scene, many people privately house newly arrived immigrants under a similar arrangement.