American Housing Survey, 1996: MSA Core and Supplement File

This data collection provides information on the characteristics of the housing inventory in nine selected Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Data include year the structure was built, type and number of living quarters, occupancy status, presence of commercial or medical establishments on the property, and property value. Additional data focus on kitchen and plumbing facilities, type of heating fuel used, source of water, sewage disposal, and heating and air conditioning equipment. Data concerned with housing quality describe the condition of the walls and floors, adequacy of heat in the winter, information on heating equipment breakdowns, availability of room electrical outlets, concealed wiring, and basement and roof water leakage. Data relating to housing expenses include mortgage or monthly rent payments, utility costs, and fuel and garbage collection fees. Information solicited from respondents who moved recently included the characteristics of the previous unit and reasons for moving. Other data indicate the presence of and objection to neighborhood conditions such as street noise, crime, litter, commercial activity, and institutional industrial activity, as well as the availability of public transportation, schools, shopping facilities, police, and hospitals. Information on condominiums covers amount and frequency of mortgage payment, amount of property insurance, real estate tax, utility costs, and condominium fees. In addition to housing characteristics, data for each household member are available on age, sex, race, marital status, income, and relationship to householder. Additional data on years of school completed, Spanish origin, length of residence, and tenure are provided for the householder. Income sources identified in the data include wages, rent, dividends, Social Security, unemployment and workmen's compensation, government and private pensions, and alimony and child support.