This survey provides HUD with a fast,
inexpensive way to estimate Section 8 Fair Market Rents (FMRs) in
areas not covered by the American Community Survey annual reports
and in areas where FMRs are believed to be incorrect. The
Department has used this random digit dialing (RDD) survey
methodology for 15 years, as recently improved to offset low
response rates. The affected public would be those renters surveyed
and Section 8 voucher holders.
These surveys provide
HUD with a way to estimate Section 8 Fair Market Rents (FMRs) in
areas not covered by the American Community Survey annual reports
and in areas where FMRs are believed to be incorrect. The affected
public would be those renters random selected to be surveyed and
Section 8 voucher holders. The change in this request from what has
been approved is to include the use of cell phones, mail surveys
and web-based surveys. The burden on the respondent and on those
contacted but screened out is to less than in the previous requests
because fewer surveys are being conducted. Minor changes have been
made to the survey instrument to make it clearer.
The response burden for the
current authorization do not include the use of mail and web-based
surveys which take approximately half the time of the telephone and
cell phone surveys. Part of the additional time for phone surveys
is spent clarifying certain questions. We are hopeful that
modifications made to the survey instrument could reduce the time
spent on clarifications.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.