Définition
A dwelling, or ordinary dwelling, is a place used for housing :
- separate, i.e. completely closed by walls and partitions, without communication with another place except the common parts within the building (corridor, stairs, etc.) ;
- independent, i.e. having an entrance with direct access to the outside or to the common parts within the building.
The dwellings are divided into four categories : main residences, second homes, occasional dwellings, vacant dwellings.
Mobile homes and rooms within communities (retirement homes, hostels, etc.) are not considered dwellings. In communities, residents usually share a common lifestyle (they generally eat together or share a kitchen or bathroom facilities).
However, within a community, a dwelling is considered housing if it is occupied as a main residence for most of the year and has its own kitchen and bathroom facilities. Hotel rooms are also considered housing if they are occupied year-round and constitute the person's main residence.