[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 59 (Tuesday, March 26, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 13152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-7300]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census


Housing Vacancy Survey; Proposed Agency Information Collection 
Activity; Comment Request

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Submit written comments on or before May 28, 1996.

ADDRESS: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Acting 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Oscar Perez, Bureau of the Census, FOB 3, Room 3340, 
Washington, DC 20233-8400, (301) 457-3806.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau is requesting clearance for the Housing Vacancy 
Survey (HVS). The current clearance expires December 31, 1996. Title 
13, United States Code, Section 182, authorizes the collection of the 
HVS. The HVS has been conducted since 1956 and serves a broad array of 
data users as described below.
    We collect the HVS data for a sample of vacant housing units 
identified in the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) sample, which 
provide the only quarterly and annual statistics on rental vacancy 
rates and homeownership rates for the United States, the 4 census 
regions, the 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the 75 largest 
Metropolitan Areas (MAs). Private and public sector organizations use 
these rates extensively to gauge and analyze the housing market with 
regard to supply, cost, and affordability at various points in time. In 
addition, the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of 
leading economic indicators, published by the Department of Commerce.
    Policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, and 
Congressional staff use these data to advise the executive and 
legislative branches of Government with respect to the number and 
characteristics of units available for occupancy and the suitability of 
housing initiatives. Several other Government agencies use these data 
on a continuing basis in calculating consumer expenditures for housing 
as a component of the gross national product; to project mortgage 
demands; and to measure the adequacy of the supply of rental and 
homeowner units. In addition, investment firms use the HVS data to 
analyze market trends and for economic forecasting.

II. Method of Collection

    Field representatives collect this HVS information by personal-
visit interviews in conjunction with the regular monthly CPS 
interviewing. If a unit is vacant and intended for year-round 
occupancy, as determined during the CPS interview, we include it in the 
HVS sample. Approximately 4,800 units in the CPS sample meet these 
criteria each month. We interview individuals who have knowledge of the 
vacant sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors). All 
interviews are conducted using computer-assisted interviewing.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0179.
    Form Number: There are no forms associated with this supplement. We 
conduct all interviewing on computers.
    Type of Review: Regular.
    Affected Public: Individuals who have knowledge of the vacant 
sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors).
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,800 per month.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 3 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,880.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $585,000.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: March 21, 1996.
Linda Engelmeier,
Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 96-7300 Filed 3-25-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-M