A doss house refers to a worn down or cheap lodging house, typically catering to the needs of homeless or poor travelers. However, there are several synonymous names used to refer to these types of establishments. For example, flop house, common lodging house, or lodging house. Some may also refer to it as a men's shelter or a homeless shelter. These synonyms refer to a temporary place where an individual can rest their head for a night or two, generally for a small fee. While not completely interchangeable, each of these terms indicates a place where a person can spend the night but is not intended to be a permanent housing solution.