Finding 1078167 (2023-002)

Finding 2023-002 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program Federal Assistance Listing 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 the 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)). 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 Agency’s files and on discussion with management, there were failed inspections that did not pass reinspection within 30 days without penalty. Context: There are approximately one hundred and sixty eight (168) units with failed inspections. Of a sample size of twenty-five (25) failed inspections, one (1) failed inspection did not pass reinspection within 30 days, due to the Agency not performing the reinspection within a timely manner. Housing assistance payments were not abated nor was the tenant evicted. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: $3,412 Cause: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over the compliance for the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. The Agency has not properly performed HQS inspections in compliance with program requirements. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in non-compliance with the special test and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. Recommendation: We recommend the Agency design and implement internal control procedures that will reasonably assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement. Agency Response: The Agency accepts the recommendation of the auditor. The Agency will increase oversight in the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program to ensure that established internal control policies are being followed on a timely basis.