The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have released new summary tables and public use files for the 2024 Rental Housing Finance Survey (RHFS). The survey collects data on financial, mortgage, and property characteristics of residential properties in the United States that include at least one rental unit.
According to the agencies, “The RHFS provides measures of financial, mortgage and property characteristics of U.S. residential properties with at least one housing rental unit. It is the only data source that provides a comprehensive picture of mortgage financing for all types of rental properties.”
Data gathered by the RHFS includes information about property value, purchase price, year built, year acquired, number of buildings and rental units, as well as recent improvements or upgrades. The survey also covers details on rental status, monthly rents in residential buildings, commercial use within these structures, property management practices, ownership status, and benefits received from various government or nongovernmental programs.
Mortgage-related questions address the number of mortgages or debts associated with each property, original and outstanding loan amounts, and payment frequencies such as biweekly or monthly schedules.
The Census Bureau conducted this HUD-sponsored survey between June and November 2024. More details are available on the Rental Housing Finance Survey (RHFS) webpage.
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