Finding 1228545 (2022-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2026-08-31
Audit: 410164
Organization: THE LIGHTHOUSE, INC. (HI)
Auditor: KKDLY LLC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Tenant files are incomplete, lacking essential eligibility documentation for housing assistance.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with HUD regulations and the Organization's policies for maintaining tenant eligibility documentation.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Implement annual training for staff and conduct quarterly file reviews to ensure all required documents are properly maintained.

Finding Text

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities (Loan) CFDA No. 14.181 Criteria In accordance with the Organization’s regulatory agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) for its Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC), the Organization is required to determine whether applicants are eligible to occupy the subsidized property and receive housing assistance. Eligibility is determined by the rules and regulations promulgated by HUD. Based on the eligibility requirements, project owners must maintain eligibility documentation in the tenant’s file. Condition During the audit, we reviewed 11 tenant files, in which 8 instances were noted where the tenant files were incomplete, lacking required documentation indicating verification of eligibility: signed copy of lease agreement, signed copy of Form HUD-50059 – Owner’s Certification of Compliance with HUD’s Tenant Eligibility and Rent Procedures, signed copy of tenant application and consent to release information, Form HUD-90106 Move-in/Move-out Inspection Form, and verifications of criminal and sex offender background check. Cause The noncompliance was the result of administrative oversight, in which, project management personnel did not consistently follow the Organization’s policies and procedures. Effect Failure to obtain the required eligibility documentation can result in federal assistance to non-qualified individuals. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization comply with established policies and procedures to ensure that the proper eligibility documentation is maintained in the tenant’s file. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action 100% of the project staff will go through annual training. The Project Supervisor will continue to conduct quarterly reviews of the files and work with staff to address any discrepancies. Background checks are always obtained before moving in, but the staff misplaced the original documentation so when management reviews the files and the document is missing, the staff obtains a new print out so the date will show a later date. To avoid similar occurrences in the future, the Supervisor who obtains the documents will save a soft copy of the original documents as a backup.

Corrective Action Plan

Planned Corrective Action: 100% of the project staff will receive annual training. The Project Supervisor will continue to conduct quarterly reviews of the files and work with staff to address any discrepancies. Background checks are always obtained before moving in, but the staff misplace the original documentation and when management reviews the files and the document is missing, the staff obtains a new print out so the date will show a later date. To avoid similar occurrences in the future, the Supervisor who obtains the documents will save a soft copy of the original documents as a backup. Name of Contact Person: Melby Albano, MHK HUD Housing Manager, and Greg Payton, CEO Projected Completion Date: 12/31/2024

Categories

HUD Housing Programs

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1228543 2022-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1228544 2022-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1228546 2022-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.181 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES $1.15M
14.195 PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE (PBRA) $32,751