what is a dwelling house

A dwelling house is a self-contained unit of accommodation used by one or more households as a home, such as a house, apartment, mobile home, houseboat, recreational vehicle, or other "substantial" structure. It is a house or sometimes part of a house that is occupied as a residence in distinction from a store, office, or other building. The legal definition of a dwelling house varies by jurisdiction, but it generally refers to a residential structure that contains one to four units, whether or not that structure is attached to real property. A dwelling house may legally include associated or connected buildings within the same property. The concept of a dwelling has significance in relation to search and seizure, conveyancing of real property, burglary, trespass, and land-use planning.