1) Who is sponsoring this survey?
The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) is sponsoring this survey. NLIHC is a nonprofit that advocates for socially equitable public policy that ensures affordable, accessible, quality homes for renters. Their website is https://nlihc.org/.
2) Why are you doing this survey?
While a lot of information is available on rental housing and rent prices in the U.S., little information is available about renters' personal experiences and opinions on housing. This survey gathers new, useful information to make sure lawmakers understand the issues renters face when making policies that could affect them. You can learn more about the survey at https://nlihc.org/national-renter-survey.
3) How will my information be used?
The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and other researchers will use the results of this survey to learn about the needs of renters across the country and shape understanding of how housing policies can best address those needs. The results of this survey will help lawmakers across the country to make informed decisions on housing policies that affect communities like yours. Keep in mind that any survey results shared with the public will be presented in group form and cannot be traced back to you.
4) How confidential are my answers?
We take many steps to ensure all information you provide is kept confidential and private. We will not ask for your name or release any information that could identify you. The information you share in this survey cannot be linked back to you.
Your answers will be grouped with the answers from everyone else who participates, and results that are shared with the public will not be identifiable.
Your personal information will not be shared with anyone outside of survey staff without your permission. All staff are trained on participant privacy and data protection procedures.
5) How was I selected for this study?
We select eligible individuals through a random sample of phone numbers and addresses from across the entire country. This method helps researchers gather data from a wide range of renters, making the survey results more accurate and reliable. Your participation will help represent your community and make sure your voice is heard.
6) Do I have to participate?
No, but your participation is very important because each person who answers the survey represents thousands of others. Not participating in the survey may mean that you and your community will not be represented in the results, and your needs will not be as visible to lawmakers who make important policies about rental housing. You may choose not to answer any question for any reason.
7) Why should I participate?
Your participation is a valuable public service and will help lawmakers to make informed decisions on housing policies that affect communities like yours. The more people who participate, the more accurate the results will be. If you don't participate, it leaves a "hole" in the data, and we may miss the opinions and experiences of renters like you.
8) Who should complete the survey?
The person in your household who is 18 years or older and knows the most about your housing needs should complete this survey.
9) How long will the survey take?
It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
10) Will I receive anything for my time?
Participants who qualify and complete the survey will receive a $10 Amazon gift code.
11) Where can I get more information?
You can learn more about the survey at https://nlihc.org/national-renter-survey.
For technical assistance, please contact our Help Desk at Support@NationalRenterSurvey.com.