Finding 1217313 (2025-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-06-10

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Organization stopped using the rent reasonableness forms, leading to potential overpayment of rent.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 24 CFR section 578.51(g) regarding reasonable rent for comparable units.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Review and strengthen control procedures for lease agreements to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness.

Finding Text

Reference Number: 2025-002 Program Name: 14.267 Continuum of Care Description: Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: 24 CFR section 578.51(g) states that when grant funds are used to pay rent, the rent paid must be reasonable in relation to rents being charged for comparable units considering relevant features. Condition: Previously the Organization had a rent reasonableness form that was filled out to ensure the rent paid by the Organization was allowable. However, during our testing of special tests and procedures, it was determined the Organization stopped filling out the rent reasonableness forms. The Organization did not have a control in place to ensure the rent paid was reasonable and allowable. Questioned Costs: $1,519,018. Cause: The Organization had significant turnover and this control was overlooked. Effect: Completing rent reasonability testing ensures the cost-effectiveness of funds and fair market practices of Continuum of Care funded housing. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is not repeat finding. Auditors’ Recommendation: We recommend the Organization review their control procedures related to the lease signing. Views of Responsible Officials: See attachment for the Organization’s corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Reference Number: 2025-002 Description: Special Tests and Provisions Corrective Action Plan: Guest House has implemented stronger process controls to ensure that Rent Reasonableness forms are completed prior to executing lease agreements. Staffing changes have been made to support compliance, and enhanced review procedures have been put in place. In addition, all previously outstanding Rent Reasonableness forms are in the process of being completed. Anticipated Corrective Action Plan Completion Date: July 1, 2026 Contact Information: For additional information regarding these corrective actions, contact Stephen Bauer, CEO at 414.345.3240. Stephen Bauer CEO Guest House of Milwaukee

Categories

Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1217312 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.267 CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM $1.93M
64.024 VA HOMELESS PROVIDERS GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM $558,224
14.239 HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM $305,000
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $111,597
93.778 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM $19,807
14.231 EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM $14,558
14.218 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS/ENTITLEMENT GRANTS $13,000