Finding Text
Finding 2025-003: Eligibility Public Housing Program, Assistance Listing #14.850 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program #14.871 Material Weakness Criteria – In accordance with Public Housing Program and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program requirements, tenant eligibility, income and rent determinations, and leasing or continuing occupancy procedures should be completed in accordance with applicable HUD regulations and program guidance. Effective internal controls should include a documented supervisory or independent review of tenant files to help ensure required documentation is complete, determinations are accurate, and program compliance is maintained. Condition – During our audit of tenant participant files for the Public Housing Program and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, we noted there was no evidence that a documented supervisory review procedure had been implemented. The occupancy and eligibility procedures related to tenant files appear to be performed by one individual without a documented secondary review. As a result, the Agency does not have evidence that tenant file documentation, eligibility determinations, income and rent calculations, and related occupancy procedures are independently reviewed for accuracy and compliance. Cause – The Agency has not established or documented formal supervisory review procedures over tenant files. Effect or Potential Effect - Without a documented supervisory review process, errors or omissions in tenant files may not be identified and corrected timely. This could result in inaccurate eligibility determinations, incorrect income or rent calculations, incomplete documentation, or noncompliance with HUD eligibility and occupancy requirements. Recommendation - We recommend the Agency establish and document supervisory review procedures over tenant files for both the Public Housing Program and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The review should include evidence of who performed the review, the date of review, and the specific items reviewed, such as eligibility documentation, income verification, rent calculations, and required occupancy forms. Implementing a documented review process would strengthen controls, support continued compliance with HUD requirements, and help ensure continuity if there is staff turnover or an employee responsible for tenant files is unavailable. View of Responsible Official: Management agrees with the Finding.