The U.S. Census Bureau, in partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has published new summary tables and public use files from the 2024 Rental Housing Finance Survey (RHFS). The RHFS is recognized as the only data source that offers a full overview of mortgage financing across all types of rental properties in the United States.
According to officials, the survey gathers information on several aspects of rental housing, including property characteristics such as value, purchase price, year built or acquired, number of buildings and rental units, and recent improvements. It also examines rental status, monthly rents, commercial uses within residential structures, property management and ownership details, as well as participation in federal, state, local or nongovernmental programs.
Mortgage-related data are another key component of the survey. The RHFS collects details about the number of mortgages or debts attached to a property, original and outstanding loan amounts, and payment schedules—whether they are biweekly, monthly, annually or one-time payments.
“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,” stated the agencies.
Data collection for this HUD-sponsored survey took place between June and November 2024. For those seeking more detailed information or access to the summary tables and public use files released today, additional resources are available on the Rental Housing Finance Survey (RHFS) webpage.
