Final answer:
Lodging houses in Whitechapel were characterized by their overcrowded conditions and the transient nature of their residents, with many people sharing beds in shifts due to the high demand for affordable accommodation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lodging houses in Whitechapel during the late 19th century were known for certain distinct features. One of the most notable features was their overcrowded conditions. These places often housed more people than they were designed for, resulting in cramped and unsanitary living situations. Another feature was the transient nature of their residents. Many of the people staying in these houses were itinerant workers or the poor, who only stayed for short periods and often shared beds in shifts, a practice known as the 'hot-bedding' system.