The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Selvon, Sam. The Housing Lark. MacGibbon & Kee, 1965.

Bat lives in a small basement apartment and dreams of coming into enough money to get a new apartment and a woman to spend time with. He knows he is dreaming without any hope of accomplishing his goals as long as he does not take action. Bat worries about how he will pay this month's rent. The rent collector, Charlie, comes by unexpectedly for the money. Bat is resentful of how flashy Charlie is dressed with his hair slicked down. Charlie pressures Bat to pay and threatens to evict him if now, but Bat asks him for a break. Charlie presents the opportunity for another man to move in as a roommate to help Bat save some money.

Bat's sister, Jean, lives upstairs from him with a roommate named Matilda. Matilda is romantically interested in Bat but she is searching for a serious relationship to lead to marriage and not something casual as Bat tends toward.

Bat has several friends over to smoke weed in the basement. They all work odd jobs and hours to try and make enough money to survive in London. Jean and Matilda come downstairs to scold the men for spending their money on weed and rum, but they do not pay them any attention.

Bat presents his plan for the group to save money together to buy a home so that they can escape the exploitation of the English landlords. Although nobody has the money at present, they are willing to join the scheme and allow Bat to manage the money.

Bat and his friends meet Nobby's cousin, Teena, who begins a relationship with Fitz. Fitz changes for the better and becomes more responsible to meet Teena's needs and demands. The other men are motivated by their relationship but they are not yet willing to change for the women.

Bat and Harry continue working toward the goal, but Bat's motivation wanes. He does not feel as though he needs to work as hard as long as his friends continue to work and eventually share their goodwill with him.

Jean continues considering marriage with Harry, Bat's roommate. Harry is desperate to be with her but she is not ready to give up her independence or possibly quit her job. Harry proposes without pressuring her to stop working while he develops his musical career. Harry is arrested for marijuana possession and sent to jail for three months.

Bat's friends grow dissatisfied with his management of the money and the lack of progress in their plans to find a house. The young women, in particular, lead the charge. They demand Bat give them all of the money to manage and they resolve to accomplish their dreams together. Bat and the other men continue drinking and playing cards without a care. Bat is slightly bitter, but he does not acknowledge the mistakes he made and the men complain amongst each other.