When does your association make an exception to the restricted building or property access regulations? When the government makes the request.
Once again, the government is stepping up its efforts to count the country’s population. As the 2010 Census is about to begin, the US Census Bureau is asking apartment and condo associations to help them reach as many residents as possible. Since participation in the census is a federal requirement, associations need to determine how enumerators will access it, especially in secure facilities.
And make no mistake, enumerators have carte blanche when it comes to access and possibly gaining repeat access in order to fully carry out their responsibilities. Associations cannot refuse access to any enumerator who has presented a valid identity document.
In order to comply with federal regulations, make sure your property managers or any security personnel understand that access must be granted to census agents. This includes allowing them access to secure buildings and any apartments they request. They are allowed to knock on doors, ring doorbells, use telephone booths, etc. Also, enumerators may have to return to the building to attempt to contact residents again. If enumerators cannot locate occupants, they are within their rights to ask property managers and associations for occupancy information. Although you are not expected to provide the information immediately, you must provide the requested information within a reasonable time.
But how do you know if the enumerator is legitimate? All Census Officers will be issued a Census Badge, which Property Managers can request to see. If in doubt, contact the nearest Regional census center to check the status of an enumerator.
Associations should expect to see enumerators after the April 1 deadline, when all residents are required to return their mailed questionnaires. Planned in-person visits are scheduled for May through August of this year.