Finding 1099920 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-02-18
Audit: 342743
Organization: Columbus Housing Authority (IN)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Significant deficiencies in tenant eligibility and reexaminations were found, including miscalculations in tenant payments and incorrect utility allowances.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with federal eligibility requirements under 24 CFR sections 982.516 and 982.52, leading to potential misstatements in tenant rents.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Strengthen internal controls for eligibility compliance, conduct thorough annual reexaminations, and review all tenant files for accuracy.

Finding Text

Finding 2024-001 Subject: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program – Tenant Eligibility and Reexaminations Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Assistance Listing Number: 14.871 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): CY 2024 Pass-Through Entity: Not applicable Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Condition and Context: During audit fieldwork, 40 tenant files were reviewed for compliance with Program eligibility and reexamination requirements. The following discrepancies were noted: 9 files miscalculated total tenant payment. 6 errors were due to miscalculation of wages or income. 3 resulted from incorrect deductions applied. 5 files did not use the correct Utility Allowance Noted 5 instances of misalignment of utility responsibilities across HAP contract, Request for Tenancy Approval, and Lease Criteria: 24 CFR section 982.516 states in part “Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the PHA must obtain and document in the tenant file third-party verification of the following factors, or must document in the tenant file why third-party verification was not available: (i) Reported family annual income; (ii) The value of assets; (iii) Expenses related to deductions from annual income; and (iv) Other factors that affect the determination of adjusted income.” 24 CFR section 982.52 HUD requirements states “The PHA must comply with HUD regulations and other HUD requirements for the program. HUD requirements are issued by HUD headquarters, as regulations, Federal Register notices or other binding program directives” Cause: Failure to execute internal controls over the federal Eligibility compliance requirement. Effect: Non-compliance with the federal Eligibility requirement. Tenant rents may be miscalculated, other notifications and documentations may be missing. Questioned Cost: Known and projected misstatement: $27,932 Recommendation: We recommend the Authority implement and execute strengthened controls over the federal Eligibility compliance requirement to include the performance of annual reexaminations and documentation maintenance; the above discrepancies need to be addressed, and all tenant files should be reviewed for compliance.

Categories

Questioned Costs HUD Housing Programs Eligibility Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 523478 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $658,424
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $504,269
14.850 Public Housing Operating Fund $406,944
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $390,568
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $28,501