Finding 1239001 (2025-002)

Federal Program Housing Voucher Cluster AL’s #14.871 and #14.879 – Significant Deficiency Criteria The PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least biennially to determine if the unit meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS). For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life-threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. Condition We tested compliance with the Authority’s HQS Enforcement on 18 failed inspections and noted three failed inspections that are considered life-threatening that were not followed up on within the required 24 hours and HAP abatement letters were not sent to landlord. Questioned Costs None. Context We reviewed a sample of 18 of the Authority’s 178 failed inspections during 2025 for HQS Enforcement requirements. Effect Tenants may be living in units that do not meet Housing Quality Standards. Cause Lack of oversight and control procedures. Repeat Finding Yes. Recommendation We recommend the Authority review their procedures for performing and documenting HQS inspections and follow up on failures to ensure Housing Quality Standards are met. Views of Responsible Officials Management recognizes the deficiency and plans to implement the auditor’s recommendation.