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.