The National Apartment Association (NAA) has partnered with the 2020 Census to ensure each individual in the United States is counted once, only once and in the right place. To make this happen, the Census Bureau will conduct the 2020 Census Nonresponse Follow-up operation (NRFU) from August 11 through October 31. During this time, census takers will interview non-responding households in person and the apartment industry plays a critical role in the success of this operation.
Rental housing providers can support the 2020 Census by:
- Sharing information about units that were vacant as of April 1, 2020, including the reason (i.e., not rented, seasonal occupancy, etc.).
- Giving the census taker access to your community to knock on the doors of occupied units that have not yet responded.
- Helping residents understand the importance of responding to the 2020 Census.
As the nation continues to grapple with COVID-19, census takers will follow the most current federal, state, and local guidance to protect the health and safety of apartment communities. Consistent with federal, state and local guidance, the Census Bureau is providing personal protective equipment for all employees.
Further, speaking with a census taker is safe and secure. A census taker will identify themselves and show a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date when meeting with residents. If there are any questions about their identity, they can provide the phone number of their area census office upon request.
Responses to the 2020 Census are also safe, secure and protected by federal law. Answers can only be used to produce statistics, which inform:
- Each state’s representation in Congress
. - The allocation of more than $675 billon in federal funding annually, which is spent on hospitals, health clinics, schools, roads, and more
- Local leaders’ decisions about programs and services for their community, such as public safety and emergency preparedness
- Much more!
Your residents’ responses cannot be used against them in any way. All Census Bureau staff take a lifetime oath to protect personal information, and any violation comes with a penalty of up to $250,000 and/or up to 5 years in prison. Learn more about how the Census Bureau protects all responses here.
Residents can respond online at using the Census ID from their mailed materials, or by mailing back a completed 2020 Census questionnaire. If they cannot find their Census ID, they can select the link that says, “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.” If residents need help completing their 2020 Census questionnaire, they can call the toll-free number 1-844-330-2020.
Learn more about census takers in your neighborhood here.