Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: Per 24 CFR section 982.516, for both family income examinations and reexaminations, obtain and document in the family file third party verification of (1) reported family annual income; (2) the value of assets; (3) expenses related to deductions from annual income; and (4) other factors that affect the determination of adjusted income or other income-based rent. 24 CFR section 982.516 states that the PHA must reexamine family income and composition at least once every 12 months and adjust the tenant rent and housing assistance payment as necessary using the documentation from third party verification. 24 CFR sections 5.212 and 5.230 states that the head of household must sign one or more release forms allowing the Authority to obtain information from third parties, as well as a federally prescribed general release form for employment information.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for eligibility requirements, we noted the following in 5 files:
- 1 of 60 files did not have proper support for income included on the HUD-50058.
- 4 of 60 files did not have proper support for assets included on the HUD-50058.
- 1 of 60 files tested did not have properly calculated HAP/TAP due to incorrect income and assets support.
Questioned Costs: $60
Cause: The failure to update the 50058 regarding immaterial asset amounts (no effect on HAP/TTP) was a data entry error. The one file where COLA was calculated incorrectly is not a systemic issue.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their processes for eligibility determination and documentation to ensure all information is properly documented and maintained in the files.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: Per 24 CFR section 982.516, for both family income examinations and reexaminations, obtain and document in the family file third party verification of (1) reported family annual income; (2) the value of assets; (3) expenses related to deductions from annual income; and (4) other factors that affect the determination of adjusted income or other income-based rent. 24 CFR section 982.516 states that the PHA must reexamine family income and composition at least once every 12 months and adjust the tenant rent and housing assistance payment as necessary using the documentation from third party verification. 24 CFR sections 5.212 and 5.230 states that the head of household must sign one or more release forms allowing the Authority to obtain information from third parties, as well as a federally prescribed general release form for employment information.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for eligibility requirements, we noted the following in 5 files:
- 1 of 60 files did not have proper support for income included on the HUD-50058.
- 4 of 60 files did not have proper support for assets included on the HUD-50058.
- 1 of 60 files tested did not have properly calculated HAP/TAP due to incorrect income and assets support.
Questioned Costs: $60
Cause: The failure to update the 50058 regarding immaterial asset amounts (no effect on HAP/TTP) was a data entry error. The one file where COLA was calculated incorrectly is not a systemic issue.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their processes for eligibility determination and documentation to ensure all information is properly documented and maintained in the files.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Choice Voucher Program
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: 24 CFR sections 5.410, 982.54(d), and 982.201 through 982.207 state that all families admitted to the program must be selected from the waiting list. “Selection” from the waiting list generally occurs when the PHA notifies a family whose name reaches the top of the waiting list to come in to verify eligibility for admission.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for wait list criteria, we noted the following:
- 2 individual did not have their original application in the file.
Questioned Costs: Unable to determine.
Cause: The Authority lacked protocols to properly document the application date with the electronic wait list data entry prior to 2021. The applicants who reached the top of the wait list in 2023 applied with the Authority in mid-2019.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their policies to ensure all required documentation is maintained for all individuals who are on the waiting list.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Choice Voucher Program
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: 24 CFR sections 5.410, 982.54(d), and 982.201 through 982.207 state that all families admitted to the program must be selected from the waiting list. “Selection” from the waiting list generally occurs when the PHA notifies a family whose name reaches the top of the waiting list to come in to verify eligibility for admission.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for wait list criteria, we noted the following:
- 2 individual did not have their original application in the file.
Questioned Costs: Unable to determine.
Cause: The Authority lacked protocols to properly document the application date with the electronic wait list data entry prior to 2021. The applicants who reached the top of the wait list in 2023 applied with the Authority in mid-2019.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their policies to ensure all required documentation is maintained for all individuals who are on the waiting list.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: 24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b) state that the PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least bi-annually to determine if the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the PHA must conduct qualify control re-inspections. The PHA must prepare a unit inspection report.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for HQS inspection criteria, we noted the following:
- 10 of 60 files tested had an inspection that was not performed within the bi-annual period.
- 3 of 60 files tested utilized self-certification forms past the allowable time frame.
Questioned Costs: Unable to determine.
Cause: Prior to 2021, NOHA did not have written procedures in place for documenting inspections. NOHA applied the COVID waivers which allowed for more than 24 months in between inspections; and, NOHA attempted to acquire landlord self-certifications but in a small number of cases, did not receive the certification or it was not received by the due date.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their HQS inspection policies to ensure that all inspections are performed timely, and that all necessary documentation is maintained for each inspection.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: 24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b) state that the PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least bi-annually to determine if the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the PHA must conduct qualify control re-inspections. The PHA must prepare a unit inspection report.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for HQS inspection criteria, we noted the following:
- 10 of 60 files tested had an inspection that was not performed within the bi-annual period.
- 3 of 60 files tested utilized self-certification forms past the allowable time frame.
Questioned Costs: Unable to determine.
Cause: Prior to 2021, NOHA did not have written procedures in place for documenting inspections. NOHA applied the COVID waivers which allowed for more than 24 months in between inspections; and, NOHA attempted to acquire landlord self-certifications but in a small number of cases, did not receive the certification or it was not received by the due date.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their HQS inspection policies to ensure that all inspections are performed timely, and that all necessary documentation is maintained for each inspection.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: Per 24 CFR section 982.516, for both family income examinations and reexaminations, obtain and document in the family file third party verification of (1) reported family annual income; (2) the value of assets; (3) expenses related to deductions from annual income; and (4) other factors that affect the determination of adjusted income or other income-based rent. 24 CFR section 982.516 states that the PHA must reexamine family income and composition at least once every 12 months and adjust the tenant rent and housing assistance payment as necessary using the documentation from third party verification. 24 CFR sections 5.212 and 5.230 states that the head of household must sign one or more release forms allowing the Authority to obtain information from third parties, as well as a federally prescribed general release form for employment information.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for eligibility requirements, we noted the following in 5 files:
- 1 of 60 files did not have proper support for income included on the HUD-50058.
- 4 of 60 files did not have proper support for assets included on the HUD-50058.
- 1 of 60 files tested did not have properly calculated HAP/TAP due to incorrect income and assets support.
Questioned Costs: $60
Cause: The failure to update the 50058 regarding immaterial asset amounts (no effect on HAP/TTP) was a data entry error. The one file where COLA was calculated incorrectly is not a systemic issue.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their processes for eligibility determination and documentation to ensure all information is properly documented and maintained in the files.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: Per 24 CFR section 982.516, for both family income examinations and reexaminations, obtain and document in the family file third party verification of (1) reported family annual income; (2) the value of assets; (3) expenses related to deductions from annual income; and (4) other factors that affect the determination of adjusted income or other income-based rent. 24 CFR section 982.516 states that the PHA must reexamine family income and composition at least once every 12 months and adjust the tenant rent and housing assistance payment as necessary using the documentation from third party verification. 24 CFR sections 5.212 and 5.230 states that the head of household must sign one or more release forms allowing the Authority to obtain information from third parties, as well as a federally prescribed general release form for employment information.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for eligibility requirements, we noted the following in 5 files:
- 1 of 60 files did not have proper support for income included on the HUD-50058.
- 4 of 60 files did not have proper support for assets included on the HUD-50058.
- 1 of 60 files tested did not have properly calculated HAP/TAP due to incorrect income and assets support.
Questioned Costs: $60
Cause: The failure to update the 50058 regarding immaterial asset amounts (no effect on HAP/TTP) was a data entry error. The one file where COLA was calculated incorrectly is not a systemic issue.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their processes for eligibility determination and documentation to ensure all information is properly documented and maintained in the files.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Choice Voucher Program
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: 24 CFR sections 5.410, 982.54(d), and 982.201 through 982.207 state that all families admitted to the program must be selected from the waiting list. “Selection” from the waiting list generally occurs when the PHA notifies a family whose name reaches the top of the waiting list to come in to verify eligibility for admission.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for wait list criteria, we noted the following:
- 2 individual did not have their original application in the file.
Questioned Costs: Unable to determine.
Cause: The Authority lacked protocols to properly document the application date with the electronic wait list data entry prior to 2021. The applicants who reached the top of the wait list in 2023 applied with the Authority in mid-2019.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their policies to ensure all required documentation is maintained for all individuals who are on the waiting list.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Choice Voucher Program
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: 24 CFR sections 5.410, 982.54(d), and 982.201 through 982.207 state that all families admitted to the program must be selected from the waiting list. “Selection” from the waiting list generally occurs when the PHA notifies a family whose name reaches the top of the waiting list to come in to verify eligibility for admission.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for wait list criteria, we noted the following:
- 2 individual did not have their original application in the file.
Questioned Costs: Unable to determine.
Cause: The Authority lacked protocols to properly document the application date with the electronic wait list data entry prior to 2021. The applicants who reached the top of the wait list in 2023 applied with the Authority in mid-2019.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their policies to ensure all required documentation is maintained for all individuals who are on the waiting list.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: 24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b) state that the PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least bi-annually to determine if the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the PHA must conduct qualify control re-inspections. The PHA must prepare a unit inspection report.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for HQS inspection criteria, we noted the following:
- 10 of 60 files tested had an inspection that was not performed within the bi-annual period.
- 3 of 60 files tested utilized self-certification forms past the allowable time frame.
Questioned Costs: Unable to determine.
Cause: Prior to 2021, NOHA did not have written procedures in place for documenting inspections. NOHA applied the COVID waivers which allowed for more than 24 months in between inspections; and, NOHA attempted to acquire landlord self-certifications but in a small number of cases, did not receive the certification or it was not received by the due date.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their HQS inspection policies to ensure that all inspections are performed timely, and that all necessary documentation is maintained for each inspection.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Program Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Award Period: 7/1/22-6/30/23
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance
Criteria: 24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b) state that the PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least bi-annually to determine if the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the PHA must conduct qualify control re-inspections. The PHA must prepare a unit inspection report.
Context: During our testing of 60 files for HQS inspection criteria, we noted the following:
- 10 of 60 files tested had an inspection that was not performed within the bi-annual period.
- 3 of 60 files tested utilized self-certification forms past the allowable time frame.
Questioned Costs: Unable to determine.
Cause: Prior to 2021, NOHA did not have written procedures in place for documenting inspections. NOHA applied the COVID waivers which allowed for more than 24 months in between inspections; and, NOHA attempted to acquire landlord self-certifications but in a small number of cases, did not receive the certification or it was not received by the due date.
Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD regulations.
Repeat Finding: Yes
Recommendation: The Authority should review their HQS inspection policies to ensure that all inspections are performed timely, and that all necessary documentation is maintained for each inspection.
View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.