Annually, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses the American Community Survey (ACS) to calculate the fair market rent (FMR) that establish the rent subsidy levels for people in need rather than actual market rent data. Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) may appeal these rates by administering a FMR survey to collect monthly rent and utility costs from a random sample of households using an address-based sample (ABS) design. FMRs are calculated using the data from two bedroom renters that moved within the past two years, resulting in very low eligibility rates (traditionally one to three percent). With a HUD-defined target of 200 eligible completes, required sample sizes often make these surveys cost-prohibitive for PHAs. A move to a fully web-based administration could substantially reduce costs and allow PHAs to pursue FMRs that are more reflectiveof current market rents. Drawing a random sample using Marketing Systems Group’s (MSG) email flag (with an expected 15%-35% match rate depending uponlocation), we will administer the FMR survey via email with personalized web link, with a mail control group, to selected respondents in a HUD-defined metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The goal of our research is three-fold. First, we will investigate the effectiveness of MSG’s email flag in providing a valid email address. Second, we will conduct a cost/benefit analysis assessing the cost differences and eligible completes received between the respective modes. Lastly, we will assess for mode effects. In 2016, approximately 289 MSAs experienceda decrease of $25 or more to the established rental subsidy – a substantial amount for individuals in need. Finding alternate, cost effective means of conducting FMR surveys would allow more PHAs to pursue HUD appeals, allowing for an opportunity to obtain FMRs that will better serve people in need of housing support.