Audit 374306

Finding 2024-002 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program Federal Catalog Numbers: 14.871 Noncompliance – N. Special Tests and Provisions - Housing Quality Standards Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: No Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance for Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: Housing Quality Standards Inspections. The PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least annually to determine if the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the PHA must conduct quality control re-inspections. The PHA must prepare a unit inspection report (24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b)). These inspection reports are required to be maintained and available for examination at the time of audit. For units that fail inspection the PHA must correct all life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours and all other deficiencies within 30 days. Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority’s files and on discussion with management there were units that were not inspected within the annual inspection period. Additionally, there were units that failed inspections that did not pass reinspection within 30 days without penalty. Context: There are approximately five hundred sixty two (562) units. Of a sample size of nineteen (19) files, one (1) annual inspection, was not completed in a timely manner. Additionally, there are approximately thirty three (33) units with failed inspections. Of a sample size of four (4) units with failed inspections, one (1) unit did not pass reinspection within 30 days. Housing assistance payments were not abated nor was the tenant relocated. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: Amount is below threshold of $25,000. Cause: The Authority did not perform timely annual inspections and follow up to failed inspections in accordance with program requirements. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in non-compliance with the with the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement internal control procedures that will reasonably assure compliance related to HQS inspections in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement.