Interviewer instructions
Ask the question as worded and encircle the appropriate code to indicate the tenure status of the housing unit and lot occupied by the family.
The tenure status to be recorded should be the prevailing tenure of the housing unit at the time of visit. Thus, even if the family rented a
housing unit for most part of the reference period but had acquired the
housing unit at the time of visit, then the family is to be reported as
owning the house and not renting the place.
Owner-like possession of house and lot here means that the
family may have an outstanding loan on the property such as mortgage
or other real estate loan. It is possible that the family owns or still
paying the amortization for the house but the lot is leased on a longterm
basis.
The question, “How much is the imputed rent?” per month may
be asked this way: If someone would rent your house today, how much
do you think would it be rented?” Ask the respondent to estimate the
amount he/she would charge, to rent the entire housing unit monthly,
unfurnished and excluding the costs for utilities.
Do not confuse imputed rent with amortization payments. Note
that imputed rent refers to the value of the house/lot based on its utility
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while amortization payments refer to the periodic payments made by
the family on real property they acquired on installment basis. Hence, if
the family owns the house/lot but is still paying for it, the total of
payments made for the six-month reference period is to be included in
Item (1) purchase/amortization of real property under Section I - Other
Disbursements. However, the imputed rent must be entered in G1(d).
Computations of rent should be based on prevailing prices in the area.
For free housing enjoyed by employees as part of fringe benefits
provided by their employer, the imputed rent must be estimated. For
this particular case, place a sharp sign (#) for the rent-free lot in Code
4 or the rent-free house and lot in Code 6. (The sharp sign serves as
an indicator for free housing derived from employment. Be sure to
include this amount as Earnings in Kind in Part III Section A. Salaries
and Wages from Employment.
