(Originally in London) large buildings divided into flats and intended to supply better arrangements for sanitation and comfort than were otherwise available, at low rents.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in untitled.
Definition of model dwellings in US English:
model dwellings
noun
historical
(Originally in London) large buildings divided into flats and intended to supply better arrangements for sanitation and comfort than were otherwise available, at low rents.