Finding 1214231 (2025-005)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-05-08

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to maintain complete tenant files, leading to material non-compliance with eligibility requirements for the Housing Voucher Cluster.
  • Impacted Requirements: Key documents such as income verification, HUD forms, and signed leases were missing or unavailable, violating federal regulations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement training for staff on tenant file maintenance and establish internal controls to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.

Finding Text

Finding 2025-005: Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Housing Voucher Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers: 14.871 and 14.EHV Non Compliance - E. Eligibility - Tenant Files Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: Yes Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance for Eligibility Criteria: Tenant Files. The PHA must do the following: As a condition of admission or continued occupancy, require the tenant and other family members to provide necessary information, documentation, and releases for the PHA to verify income eligibility (24 CFR sections 5.230, 5.609, and 982.516). These files are required to be maintained and available for examination at the time of audit. Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority’s files and on discussion with management, there were documents that were unavailable for examination at the time of audit. Context: There are approximately 1,056 units. Of a sample size of twenty-four (24) tenant files, the following was noted: - HUD form 9886 was unable to be provided in 6 files - Verification of income was unable to be provided in 2 files - HUD-50058 form was unavailable for review in 4 files - Citizen Declaration Section 214 form was unable to be provided in 9 files - Signed leases were unable to be provided in 8 files - Original application was missing in 2 files - Lead based paint forms were missing 2 files - The Authority was unable to provide 1 tenant file during the time of audit. Known Questioned Costs: $149,640. Cause: There is a material weakness in the Housing Voucher Cluster in internal controls over the compliance for the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. The Authority experienced high turnover and did not properly train employees in the HCV department, which resulted in the Authority having a limited capacity to perform the required maintenance of tenant files, and properly maintain and monitor a system of internal controls that reasonably assures the program is in compliance. Effect: The Housing Voucher Cluster programs are in material non-compliance with the eligibility requirements of the programs. Recommendation: We recommend that the Authority implement a process whereby Authority personnel are hired and trained on tenant file maintenance so that documents are accumulated, stored and safeguarded to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: The Authority has recognized the deficiencies in the Housing Voucher Cluster programs and will train staff on the proper maintenance of tenant files and implement internal control procedures that will ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2025-005: Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Housing Voucher Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers: 14.871 and 14.EHV Non Compliance - E. Eligibility - Tenant Files Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: Yes Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance for Eligibility Criteria: Tenant Files. The PHA must do the following: As a condition of admission or continued occupancy, require the tenant and other family members to provide necessary information, documentation, and releases for the PHA to verify income eligibility (24 CFR sections 5.230, 5.609, and 982.516). These files are required to be maintained and available for examination at the time of audit. Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority’s files and on discussion with management, there were documents that were unavailable for examination at the time of audit. Context: There are approximately 1,056 units. Of a sample size of twenty-four (24) tenant files, the following was noted:  HUD form 9886 was unable to be provided in 6 files - Verification of income was unable to be provided in 2 files - HUD-50058 form was unavailable for review in 4 files - Citizen Declaration Section 214 form was unable to be provided in 9 files - Signed leases were unable to be provided in 8 files - Original application was missing in 2 files - Lead based paint forms were missing 2 files - The Authority was unable to provide 1 tenant file during the time of audit. Known Questioned Costs: $ 149,640 Cause: There is a material weakness in the Housing Voucher Cluster in internal controls over the compliance for the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. The Authority experienced high turnover and did not properly train employees in the HCV department, which resulted in the Authority having a limited capacity to perform the required maintenance of tenant files, and properly maintain and monitor a system of internal controls that reasonably assures the program is in compliance. Effect: The Housing Voucher Cluster Programs are in material non-compliance with the eligibility requirements of the programs. Recommendation: We recommend that the Authority implement a process whereby Authority personnel are hired and trained on tenant file maintenance so that documents are accumulated, stored and safeguarded to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: The Authority has recognized the deficiencies in the Housing Voucher Cluster Programs and will train staff on the proper maintenance of tenant files and implement internal control procedures that will ensure compliance with federal regulations. Malcom Isler, HCV Program Director/Interim Deputy Executive Director is responsible for ensuring proper internal controls are in place to prevent significant deficiencies and material weaknesses from occurring and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Eligibility Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1214230 2025-008
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214232 2025-006
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214233 2025-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1214234 2025-009
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $13.56M
14.872 PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND $10.80M
14.850 PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND $8.85M
14.896 FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM $106,918