Note to Reviewer - 1220-0163

September 25, 2017

MEMORANDUM FOR : Reviewer of 1220-0163

FROM : W. John Layng, Assistant Commissioner

Division of Consumer Prices and Price Indexes

SUBJECT : CPI Housing Survey Questions

The CPI program requests approval for three non-substantive changes to its housing survey questions. CPI plans to implement the changes for the next scheduled housing computer assisted data collection (CADC) collection instrument (CI) software update in January 2018.

The proposed changes to the CPI housing survey questions are listed in Appendix 1 of this memo and involve changes to the 1) rental period, 2) type of structure and 3) lease period concepts in the survey. The proposed changes will clarify question wording and response options as well as provide the program with greater insight into the reasons for rent price change.

The Office of Survey Methods Research (OSMR) studied the CPI housing survey questions. OSMR agreed with concerns that the questions as currently worded could be confusing. OSMR recommend use of the proposed wording.

We do not expect the proposed revisions to the CPI housing survey questions will have any effect on respondent burden.

If you have any questions about this request, please contact W. John Layng at 202-691-6955 or e-mail at [email protected] or Crystal Konny at 202-691-6972 or e-mail at [email protected].

APPENDIX 1 Proposed Changes to CPI Housing Survey

“Rental period” question 

Current “rental period” question:

What is the rental period?

Monthly

Weekly

Two Weeks

Daily

Proposed “rental period” question:

What period of time does that rent cover?

One month

Two weeks

One week

Daily

“Type of structure” response options--“observation” only screen (no respondent required) 

Current “type of structure” response options:

Single Detached

Single Attached

Mobile Home Trailer

Multi - Unit with elevator

Multi - Unit without elevator

	Other - Specify

Proposed “type of structure” response options:

      Single Detached

      Single Attached

      Mobile Home Trailer

      Multi, 2 units

      Multi, 3 to 4 units

      Multi, 5 to 9 units

      Multi, 10 to 19 units

      Multi, 20 to 49 units

      Multi, 50 or more units

      Other - Specify

Addition of “type of structure” question:

Does this “type of structure” have an elevator?

                Yes

                No  

APPENDIX 1 (con’t) Proposed Changes to CPI Housing Survey

“Lease period” questions 

Proposed “lease period” questions:

Do you have a lease or other rental agreement?

Yes

No

Don’t know

How long is the current lease agreement?

Month-to-month

6 months

12 months 24 months

Other – months

In what month and year did the current lease start?

(MM / YYYY)