Audit 326215

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$8.29M
Findings
12
Programs
2
Organization: Renaissance Gardens, Inc. (MD)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2024-10-28
Auditor: Cohnreznick LLP

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
503872 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
503873 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
503874 2024-002 Material Weakness - P
503875 2024-002 Material Weakness - P
503876 2024-003 Material Weakness - A
503877 2024-003 Material Weakness - A
1080314 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
1080315 2024-001 Material Weakness - E
1080316 2024-002 Material Weakness - P
1080317 2024-002 Material Weakness - P
1080318 2024-003 Material Weakness - A
1080319 2024-003 Material Weakness - A

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
14.157 Supportive Housing for the Elderly $7.98M Yes 3
14.157 Supportive Housing for the Elderly ("prac") $308,616 Yes 3

Contacts

Name Title Type
MTVMW91JM155 Tiffany Nicolette Auditee
4105915585 Shari Grabush Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note 1 - Basis of presentation Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Renaissance Gardens Inc. has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards ("Schedule") includes the federal award activity of Renaissance Gardens Inc., HUD Project No.: 052-EE065, under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards ("Uniform Guidance"). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Renaissance Gardens it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets, or cash flows of Renaissance Gardens Inc.
Title: Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Renaissance Gardens Inc. has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance.
Title: Note 3 - Indirect cost rate Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Renaissance Gardens Inc. has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Renaissance Gardens Inc. has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance.
Title: Note 4 - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development capital advance program Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Renaissance Gardens Inc. has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The Organization entered into a capital advance agreement with HUD to assist in financing the Organization under Section 202 of the National Housing Act in the amount of $7,976,640. The capital advance is secured by a mortgage on the property and was recorded as grant revenue in prior years. The entire amount of the capital advance is included in federal expenditures presented in the Schedule. The Organization received no additional advances during the year. The capital advance does not bear interest and is not required to be repaid as long as the housing remains available to eligible low-income elderly persons for at least 40 years. Failure to keep the housing available for low-income elderly persons or other instances of default under the terms of the mortgage, capital advance agreement or regulatory agreement could cause the entire amount of the capital advance to be immediately payable, including interest from the date of the first advance. The capital advance restrictions expire on November 15, 2052. The restrictions on this grant are being released as net assets without donor restriction on a straight-line basis over its term. See below for a reconciliation between the original capital advance and the amount shown as net assets with donor restriction as of June 30, 2024 on the statement of financial position:

Finding Details

Criteria Tenant lease files are required to be maintained and tenant eligibility determined in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Condition In connection with our lease file review, we noted the following deficiencies: - 1 out of 1 lease files for new tenants did not follow EIV guidelines, no EIV report was generated for move-in certification. - 2 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not follow EIV guidelines, EIV report was not generated for recertification for one tenant and for the second tenant the report was generated outside of the allowed 120-day period. - 2 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not contain necessary documentation, both files were missing gross rent change forms and latest executed versions of HUD-50059 form, one file was also missing support for medical expenses presented on corrected HUD-50059 form. - 1 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not contain necessary documentation to support medical deductions. - 1 out of 1 lease files for former tenants had security deposit refund that exceeded 30-day post move-out window. Cause Management's policies with respect to the determination of eligibility and the maintenance of tenant lease files in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs were not consistently followed. Effect or Potential Effect The procedures for eligibility and maintaining tenant lease files were not consistently applied in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. This could result in units being rented to ineligible tenants or errors in the rent subsidies paid by HUD. Recommendation Management should establish procedures and monitor compliance with those procedures to ensure that tenant eligibility is correctly determined and that tenant lease files are properly maintained in accordance with the requirements of HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Auditor Noncompliance Code R. Section 8 program administration View of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. Managements Plan of Action for Non-Compliance of the HUD Guidelines includes the immediate steps below:  Provide additional training and resources to ensure that the staff has a clear understanding of HUD requirements that will include the importance of adhering to procedures and guidelines with a specific focus on the EIV requirements and reporting, along with the timely processing of annual recertifications.  Implement increased monitoring and oversight mechanisms to detect and correct compliance issues.  Establish clear accountability measures for not following procedures through appropriate corrective actions.  Effectively communicate the importance of following procedures to all staff, emphasizing the impact on organizational efficiency and compliance.  Encourage a culture of continuous improvement where procedures are regularly reviewed, communicated with the staff and provide regular training of changing circumstances or best practices. Finding Resolution Status: Resolved
Criteria Tenant lease files are required to be maintained and tenant eligibility determined in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Condition In connection with our lease file review, we noted the following deficiencies: - 1 out of 1 lease files for new tenants did not follow EIV guidelines, no EIV report was generated for move-in certification. - 2 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not follow EIV guidelines, EIV report was not generated for recertification for one tenant and for the second tenant the report was generated outside of the allowed 120-day period. - 2 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not contain necessary documentation, both files were missing gross rent change forms and latest executed versions of HUD-50059 form, one file was also missing support for medical expenses presented on corrected HUD-50059 form. - 1 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not contain necessary documentation to support medical deductions. - 1 out of 1 lease files for former tenants had security deposit refund that exceeded 30-day post move-out window. Cause Management's policies with respect to the determination of eligibility and the maintenance of tenant lease files in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs were not consistently followed. Effect or Potential Effect The procedures for eligibility and maintaining tenant lease files were not consistently applied in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. This could result in units being rented to ineligible tenants or errors in the rent subsidies paid by HUD. Recommendation Management should establish procedures and monitor compliance with those procedures to ensure that tenant eligibility is correctly determined and that tenant lease files are properly maintained in accordance with the requirements of HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Auditor Noncompliance Code R. Section 8 program administration View of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. Managements Plan of Action for Non-Compliance of the HUD Guidelines includes the immediate steps below:  Provide additional training and resources to ensure that the staff has a clear understanding of HUD requirements that will include the importance of adhering to procedures and guidelines with a specific focus on the EIV requirements and reporting, along with the timely processing of annual recertifications.  Implement increased monitoring and oversight mechanisms to detect and correct compliance issues.  Establish clear accountability measures for not following procedures through appropriate corrective actions.  Effectively communicate the importance of following procedures to all staff, emphasizing the impact on organizational efficiency and compliance.  Encourage a culture of continuous improvement where procedures are regularly reviewed, communicated with the staff and provide regular training of changing circumstances or best practices. Finding Resolution Status: Resolved
1. Management is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 2. Management is responsible for timely submission of audited financial statements to Federal Audit Clearinghouse ("FAC"). Condition 1. The accounting records required numerous material adjustments to be proposed and recorded in order for the financial statements to be fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. 2. Single Audit reports are required to be submitted to the FAC pursuant to the audit requirement of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200. Submission of June 30, 2023 financial statements was not completed within specified time frame. Cause Management did not have sufficient controls over financial reporting. Effect or Potential Effect Condition 1 may lead to inaccurate financial reporting and potential misstatement of the financial statements such that they are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Condition 2 results in auditee being designated as not a low-risk auditee, which may have an effect on future federal grants and program eligibility. Recommendation 1. Management should undertake a review of internal controls over financial reporting and ensure that financial data is properly recorded in the books and records of the Project to prevent misstatements from occurring in the future. 2. Management should implement procedures to ensure that required filing is completed timely. Auditor Noncompliance Code S. Internal control deficiencies Views of Responsible Officials 1. Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and has implemented reviews of the financial statements by senior management prior to closing books to ensure accuracy of information. 2. Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and will ensure required filing is completed timely. Finding Resolution Status: Resolved
1. Management is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 2. Management is responsible for timely submission of audited financial statements to Federal Audit Clearinghouse ("FAC"). Condition 1. The accounting records required numerous material adjustments to be proposed and recorded in order for the financial statements to be fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. 2. Single Audit reports are required to be submitted to the FAC pursuant to the audit requirement of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200. Submission of June 30, 2023 financial statements was not completed within specified time frame. Cause Management did not have sufficient controls over financial reporting. Effect or Potential Effect Condition 1 may lead to inaccurate financial reporting and potential misstatement of the financial statements such that they are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Condition 2 results in auditee being designated as not a low-risk auditee, which may have an effect on future federal grants and program eligibility. Recommendation 1. Management should undertake a review of internal controls over financial reporting and ensure that financial data is properly recorded in the books and records of the Project to prevent misstatements from occurring in the future. 2. Management should implement procedures to ensure that required filing is completed timely. Auditor Noncompliance Code S. Internal control deficiencies Views of Responsible Officials 1. Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and has implemented reviews of the financial statements by senior management prior to closing books to ensure accuracy of information. 2. Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and will ensure required filing is completed timely. Finding Resolution Status: Resolved
Criteria During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Project paid management fees of $13,346 in excess of the amount approved by HUD. Condition Management fee payments are limited to amounts determined in accordance with the terms of the HUD approved management agreement. Cause There were 2 different management agreements and management did not follow the HUD approved management agreement when paying management fees from operations. Effect or Potential Effect The overpaid amount is an unauthorized distribution and therefore considered to be questioned costs. Questioned Costs The payments of $13,346 were unauthorized loans and therefore considered to be questioned costs. Identification as a Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The management company should reimburse the Project for overpaid management fee in the amount of $13,346 and implement procedures to ensure that the management fee paid does not exceed the amount determined in accordance with the HUD approved management agreement. Auditor Noncompliance Code J. Unauthorized management fees Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding and is working with ownership on reimbursements to the property. Management will collect in accordance with HUD going forward. Finding Resolution Status: Unresolved
Criteria During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Project paid management fees of $13,346 in excess of the amount approved by HUD. Condition Management fee payments are limited to amounts determined in accordance with the terms of the HUD approved management agreement. Cause There were 2 different management agreements and management did not follow the HUD approved management agreement when paying management fees from operations. Effect or Potential Effect The overpaid amount is an unauthorized distribution and therefore considered to be questioned costs. Questioned Costs The payments of $13,346 were unauthorized loans and therefore considered to be questioned costs. Identification as a Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The management company should reimburse the Project for overpaid management fee in the amount of $13,346 and implement procedures to ensure that the management fee paid does not exceed the amount determined in accordance with the HUD approved management agreement. Auditor Noncompliance Code J. Unauthorized management fees Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding and is working with ownership on reimbursements to the property. Management will collect in accordance with HUD going forward. Finding Resolution Status: Unresolved
Criteria Tenant lease files are required to be maintained and tenant eligibility determined in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Condition In connection with our lease file review, we noted the following deficiencies: - 1 out of 1 lease files for new tenants did not follow EIV guidelines, no EIV report was generated for move-in certification. - 2 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not follow EIV guidelines, EIV report was not generated for recertification for one tenant and for the second tenant the report was generated outside of the allowed 120-day period. - 2 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not contain necessary documentation, both files were missing gross rent change forms and latest executed versions of HUD-50059 form, one file was also missing support for medical expenses presented on corrected HUD-50059 form. - 1 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not contain necessary documentation to support medical deductions. - 1 out of 1 lease files for former tenants had security deposit refund that exceeded 30-day post move-out window. Cause Management's policies with respect to the determination of eligibility and the maintenance of tenant lease files in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs were not consistently followed. Effect or Potential Effect The procedures for eligibility and maintaining tenant lease files were not consistently applied in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. This could result in units being rented to ineligible tenants or errors in the rent subsidies paid by HUD. Recommendation Management should establish procedures and monitor compliance with those procedures to ensure that tenant eligibility is correctly determined and that tenant lease files are properly maintained in accordance with the requirements of HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Auditor Noncompliance Code R. Section 8 program administration View of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. Managements Plan of Action for Non-Compliance of the HUD Guidelines includes the immediate steps below:  Provide additional training and resources to ensure that the staff has a clear understanding of HUD requirements that will include the importance of adhering to procedures and guidelines with a specific focus on the EIV requirements and reporting, along with the timely processing of annual recertifications.  Implement increased monitoring and oversight mechanisms to detect and correct compliance issues.  Establish clear accountability measures for not following procedures through appropriate corrective actions.  Effectively communicate the importance of following procedures to all staff, emphasizing the impact on organizational efficiency and compliance.  Encourage a culture of continuous improvement where procedures are regularly reviewed, communicated with the staff and provide regular training of changing circumstances or best practices. Finding Resolution Status: Resolved
Criteria Tenant lease files are required to be maintained and tenant eligibility determined in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Condition In connection with our lease file review, we noted the following deficiencies: - 1 out of 1 lease files for new tenants did not follow EIV guidelines, no EIV report was generated for move-in certification. - 2 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not follow EIV guidelines, EIV report was not generated for recertification for one tenant and for the second tenant the report was generated outside of the allowed 120-day period. - 2 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not contain necessary documentation, both files were missing gross rent change forms and latest executed versions of HUD-50059 form, one file was also missing support for medical expenses presented on corrected HUD-50059 form. - 1 out of 6 lease files for existing tenants did not contain necessary documentation to support medical deductions. - 1 out of 1 lease files for former tenants had security deposit refund that exceeded 30-day post move-out window. Cause Management's policies with respect to the determination of eligibility and the maintenance of tenant lease files in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs were not consistently followed. Effect or Potential Effect The procedures for eligibility and maintaining tenant lease files were not consistently applied in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. This could result in units being rented to ineligible tenants or errors in the rent subsidies paid by HUD. Recommendation Management should establish procedures and monitor compliance with those procedures to ensure that tenant eligibility is correctly determined and that tenant lease files are properly maintained in accordance with the requirements of HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Auditor Noncompliance Code R. Section 8 program administration View of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. Managements Plan of Action for Non-Compliance of the HUD Guidelines includes the immediate steps below:  Provide additional training and resources to ensure that the staff has a clear understanding of HUD requirements that will include the importance of adhering to procedures and guidelines with a specific focus on the EIV requirements and reporting, along with the timely processing of annual recertifications.  Implement increased monitoring and oversight mechanisms to detect and correct compliance issues.  Establish clear accountability measures for not following procedures through appropriate corrective actions.  Effectively communicate the importance of following procedures to all staff, emphasizing the impact on organizational efficiency and compliance.  Encourage a culture of continuous improvement where procedures are regularly reviewed, communicated with the staff and provide regular training of changing circumstances or best practices. Finding Resolution Status: Resolved
1. Management is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 2. Management is responsible for timely submission of audited financial statements to Federal Audit Clearinghouse ("FAC"). Condition 1. The accounting records required numerous material adjustments to be proposed and recorded in order for the financial statements to be fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. 2. Single Audit reports are required to be submitted to the FAC pursuant to the audit requirement of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200. Submission of June 30, 2023 financial statements was not completed within specified time frame. Cause Management did not have sufficient controls over financial reporting. Effect or Potential Effect Condition 1 may lead to inaccurate financial reporting and potential misstatement of the financial statements such that they are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Condition 2 results in auditee being designated as not a low-risk auditee, which may have an effect on future federal grants and program eligibility. Recommendation 1. Management should undertake a review of internal controls over financial reporting and ensure that financial data is properly recorded in the books and records of the Project to prevent misstatements from occurring in the future. 2. Management should implement procedures to ensure that required filing is completed timely. Auditor Noncompliance Code S. Internal control deficiencies Views of Responsible Officials 1. Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and has implemented reviews of the financial statements by senior management prior to closing books to ensure accuracy of information. 2. Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and will ensure required filing is completed timely. Finding Resolution Status: Resolved
1. Management is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 2. Management is responsible for timely submission of audited financial statements to Federal Audit Clearinghouse ("FAC"). Condition 1. The accounting records required numerous material adjustments to be proposed and recorded in order for the financial statements to be fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. 2. Single Audit reports are required to be submitted to the FAC pursuant to the audit requirement of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200. Submission of June 30, 2023 financial statements was not completed within specified time frame. Cause Management did not have sufficient controls over financial reporting. Effect or Potential Effect Condition 1 may lead to inaccurate financial reporting and potential misstatement of the financial statements such that they are not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Condition 2 results in auditee being designated as not a low-risk auditee, which may have an effect on future federal grants and program eligibility. Recommendation 1. Management should undertake a review of internal controls over financial reporting and ensure that financial data is properly recorded in the books and records of the Project to prevent misstatements from occurring in the future. 2. Management should implement procedures to ensure that required filing is completed timely. Auditor Noncompliance Code S. Internal control deficiencies Views of Responsible Officials 1. Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and has implemented reviews of the financial statements by senior management prior to closing books to ensure accuracy of information. 2. Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and will ensure required filing is completed timely. Finding Resolution Status: Resolved
Criteria During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Project paid management fees of $13,346 in excess of the amount approved by HUD. Condition Management fee payments are limited to amounts determined in accordance with the terms of the HUD approved management agreement. Cause There were 2 different management agreements and management did not follow the HUD approved management agreement when paying management fees from operations. Effect or Potential Effect The overpaid amount is an unauthorized distribution and therefore considered to be questioned costs. Questioned Costs The payments of $13,346 were unauthorized loans and therefore considered to be questioned costs. Identification as a Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The management company should reimburse the Project for overpaid management fee in the amount of $13,346 and implement procedures to ensure that the management fee paid does not exceed the amount determined in accordance with the HUD approved management agreement. Auditor Noncompliance Code J. Unauthorized management fees Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding and is working with ownership on reimbursements to the property. Management will collect in accordance with HUD going forward. Finding Resolution Status: Unresolved
Criteria During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Project paid management fees of $13,346 in excess of the amount approved by HUD. Condition Management fee payments are limited to amounts determined in accordance with the terms of the HUD approved management agreement. Cause There were 2 different management agreements and management did not follow the HUD approved management agreement when paying management fees from operations. Effect or Potential Effect The overpaid amount is an unauthorized distribution and therefore considered to be questioned costs. Questioned Costs The payments of $13,346 were unauthorized loans and therefore considered to be questioned costs. Identification as a Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The management company should reimburse the Project for overpaid management fee in the amount of $13,346 and implement procedures to ensure that the management fee paid does not exceed the amount determined in accordance with the HUD approved management agreement. Auditor Noncompliance Code J. Unauthorized management fees Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding and is working with ownership on reimbursements to the property. Management will collect in accordance with HUD going forward. Finding Resolution Status: Unresolved