Finding 1078561 (2023-001)

CFDA 14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Finding 2023-001 Housing Assistance Program Discrepancies (repeated from 12/31/2022 and 12/31/2021) Criteria- Several PIH notices and CFR's address compliance requirements within the Housing Choice Voucher Program; many discrepancies were noted during the review of tenant files. Condition- 8 tenant files were reviewed and the following discrepancies were noted: -4 of the 8 files did not have a 9886 form; Authorization for the Release of Information -3 of the 8 files did not have a Declaration of Section 214 status -2 of the 8 files did not have a lease -4 of the 8 files did not include rent reasonableness -5 of the 8 files did not include verification of assets -4 of the 8 files calculated income and wages incorrectly or lacked supporting documentation -some files had missing required forms like rent choice and Request for Tenancy Approval - 3 of the 8 files had incorrect Total Tenant Payment Questioned Cost- None Context- 24 CFR 982.451 addresses Signed HAP Contracts; 24 CFR 982.517 addresses utility allowances; other PIH notices, HUD handbooks, and CFR's address all other required forms. Effect- Tenant rents may be miscalculated, other notifications and documentations may be missing. Cause- Unknown Recommendation- The Housing Authority should implement a policy to ensure compliance with HUD regulations concerning the Administrative Plan for the Housing Assistance Program; the above discrepancies need to be addressed, and all tenant files should be reviewed for compliance. Additionally, all staff members should attend training to understand the compliance requirements of tenant files.