Finding Text
Section Eight Housing Choice Voucher Program-CDFA# 14.871, Low Rent Program-CDFA # 14.850,
Finding 2023-002-Lack of Adequate Quality Control Regarding Tenant Procedures-Eligibility
Criteria and Condition
The quality of supervision over tenant file functions, such as calculating tenant rent and Housing Assistance Payments should be timely and sufficient to find errors in calculations or mis-application or mis-understanding of procedures.
Context
For the Housing Choice Voucher Program, quality control should be timely performed and documented throughout the year. We reviewed twenty-five HCV files. The information was improved over the prior year. In addition, the SEMAP was prepared by an independent consultant. We reviewed the methodology used by the consultant, and reviewed the detail she used on a test basis. The procedures used to compile SEMAP appeared to be proper and sufficient.
However, adequate design and operation of internal controls require a periodic representative review of the type of information tested by SEMAP. Documented testes should preferably be done on a monthly basis, and no later than a quarterly basis. The purpose of reviews done monthly or at least quarterly is to detect systemic errors on a timely basis. When SEMAP is done all at one time after year end, the possibility of noting and detecting errors on a timely basis is lost.
Effect
Errors are not detected and corrected, if necessary, on a timely basis.
Questioned Costs
None
Recommendation
SEMAP-like documented checks should be done at least on a quarterly basis.
View of Responsible Official
I am Jedidiah Jackson. I was hired as E.D., effective July 1, 2024. We are in the process of addressing the problems noted in the audit, as well as correcting other issues noted by HUD.