Methodology Status · June 2026

Current B-RAI, B-RSI, and B-NDI scores published on Homzora are baseline estimates derived from public data sources — U.S. Census ACS, Zillow Research, Massachusetts Association of Realtors, and MBTA ridership data. They are not yet derived from completed survey research.

Our proprietary Boston Renter Survey is actively collecting responses now. The first fully survey-derived index release is scheduled for October 7, 2026 (Q3 2026 report). Until then, all index scores should be read as preliminary baseline figures, not validated research conclusions. Help shape Q3 — take our 5-min survey →

Q3 2026 Publishes October 7

The Boston Renter Intelligence Index becomes data-driven with our first survey-based release. Current neighborhood scores reflect Q2 2026 baseline data aggregated from US Census ACS, Zillow Research, Massachusetts Association of Realtors, and MBTA ridership. Our proprietary survey is collecting now.

Help shape Q3 → Take the 5-min survey

1. Survey Overview

The Boston Renter Intelligence Index (BRII) is a proprietary ongoing survey instrument developed and administered by Homzora Realty LLC. The survey is designed to capture real-time renter sentiment, rent burden, commute behavior, neighborhood satisfaction, and housing intention data across Greater Boston neighborhoods that is not available through existing public datasets.

The BRII is updated quarterly and published as part of Homzora Realty’s Boston Housing Intelligence platform. All findings are made publicly available for research, journalism, and policy use with attribution.

2. Data Collection Method

Survey responses are collected through a voluntary, anonymous online survey instrument hosted on homzorarealty.com. Respondents self-select to participate after visiting Homzora Realty content pages, tools, or the dedicated survey landing page.

3. Geographic Coverage

The survey covers 14 Greater Boston neighborhoods and municipalities. Respondents self-identify their current neighborhood from a standardized list.

4. Survey Instrument

The Boston Renter Intelligence Index collects responses across 7 core question categories. All questions use standardized multiple-choice response options to enable consistent cross-neighborhood and cross-period comparisons.

5. Data Limitations

Users of this dataset should be aware of the following limitations:

• Self-selection bias: Respondents self-select to participate which may over-represent engaged renters and under-represent certain demographic groups.
• Self-reported data: All rent figures and demographic information are self-reported and not independently verified.
• Online access: The survey is conducted online which may under-represent renters without reliable internet access.
• Sample size: As an ongoing survey the sample size grows over time. Early period results should be interpreted with appropriate caution. Current sample size is disclosed in each published report.
• Not a random sample: This survey does not use random sampling methodology and therefore results cannot be statistically extrapolated to the entire Greater Boston renter population.

6. Citation Policy

Journalists, researchers, housing advocates, and policymakers are welcome to cite Boston Renter Intelligence Index data with attribution. Please use the following citation format:

For media inquiries, data requests, or research collaboration please contact info@homzorarealty.com.

7. Research Leadership