Attachment E - HVS Fact Sheet

Attachment E

HVS-600
(XX-2017)

Fact Sheet for the

Housing Vacancy Survey
This address is among those selected for the Current Population Survey/Housing
Vacancy Survey (CPS/HVS), which the Census Bureau is conducting. The Federal
government needs current data on the rental vacancy rate (a component of the index of
leading economic indicators), homeowner vacancy rate, and homeownership rate to
assess the economic climate with regard to housing affordability. In addition, current
data on the number and characteristics of units available enables housing officials to
evaluate the housing supply.
The Housing Vacancy Survey is conducted under Title 13, United States Code, Section
182. The survey has been taken for 61 years and serves as an invaluable instrument in
providing data for the development of Federal housing policy.
By law, Census Bureau employees hold all information you give in strict confidence.
We will combine the information you give us with that concerning other vacant housing
units for summary statistical purposes only.
Because this is a sample survey, your answers represent not only this vacant housing
unit, but also hundreds of other similar vacant housing units. For this reason, your
cooperation in this voluntary survey will be a distinct service to our country.
On the other side of this sheet are the answers to questions most frequently asked about
this survey. The Census Bureau appreciates your cooperation in this important survey.

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS

I Thought That the Census Bureau Only Operated Every 10 Years, When
It Counted People. What is the Census Bureau Doing Here Now?
Besides the Decennial Census, which we conduct every 10 years, we collect many
different kinds of statistics from other censuses and surveys. We conduct other
censuses regularly, such as the Censuses of Business and Manufacturers and the Census
of State and Local Governments. In addition, we collect data on a monthly basis to
provide current information on such topics as retail and wholesale trade, various
manufacturing activities, and new housing construction. We also conduct yearly
surveys of business, manufacturing, governments, family characteristics, income, and
education. This survey, conducted monthly, provides current information on the state
of vacant housing units.

Why is This Survey Important? Who Uses This Information?
The Housing Vacancy Survey provides current information on the rental and
homeowner vacancy rates, and characteristics of units available for occupancy. These
data are used extensively by public and private sector organizations to evaluate the need
for new housing programs or initiatives. In addition, the rental vacancy rate is a
component of the index of leading economic indicators and is thereby used by the
Federal government and economic forecasters to gauge the current economic climate.

How Was This Unit Selected for This Survey?
Actually, we selected the address; rather than the unit for this survey. Of the 72,000
housing units both occupied and vacant contained in the CPS sample, approximately
59,000 are eligible for interview each month. In addition to the 59,000 there are also
about 7,000 sample units in an average month that are found to be vacant and are
eligible to be interviewed for the survey.

What Confidentiality Protections Do I Have? Is This Survey Authorized
by Law?
The U.S. Census Bureau is required by law to protect your information. The Census
Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in a way that could identify
you or this address. We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13,
United States Code, Section 182 and Title 29, USC Section 1. Federal law protects your
privacy and keeps your answers confidential (Title 13, United States Code, Sections 9
and 214). Per the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, your data are
protected from cybersecurity risks through screening of the systems that transmit your
data. The Office of Management and Budget Control number for HVS is 0607-0179.