Finding Text
2025-005 Failed Inspections – Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Made After Failed Inspection Condition: Payment was not abated upon failed inspection for non-life threatening condition. Additionally, one file out of a sample of six could not be located (see related finding 2025-003). Criteria: Unit inspections failing to meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) not corrected with 24 hours for life threatening deficiencies or within 30 calendar days for all other deficiencies require abatement of HAP or termination of HAP contract. Context: One tenant’s payment was processed subsequent to the failed inspection. Effect: HAP payment processed in subsequent month resulting in overpayment. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority strengthen procedures to ensure HAP payments are properly abated upon failed inspection. Response: BPHA will implement procedures to ensure Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are properly abated for units failing inspection. Failed inspection results will be documented and communicated to the appropriate staff prior to HAP processing. Periodic management reviews will be conducted to reconcile failed inspections to ensure abatements are timely, accurate, and properly documented.