Finding 1239740 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-10-01

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: There were 10 instances of noncompliance with HUD regulations regarding the handling of Electronic Income Verification (EIV) information and tenant lease files.
  • Impacted Requirements: Management must follow the EIV Rules of Behavior and maintain lease files as per HUD Handbook 4350.3.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement additional procedures, monitor compliance, and provide training on EIV guidelines to relevant personnel.

Finding Text

Finding 2025-001 Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name and Assistance Listing Number: Housing Voucher Cluster: 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Program. 14.871 - Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program. Federal Award Identification Number and Year: ACC A-3096 2025 Compliance Requirements: Eligibility Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Controls Criteria: Management is responsible for adhering to the EIV Rules of Behavior in accordance with Section 4.1.1 of the EIV Multifamily Program User Manual and for maintaining lease files in accordance with HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs. Condition: During the audit procedures applied to a sample of 40 tenant lease files, we noted 10 instances of noncompliance with HUD regulations regarding dissemination of Electronic Income Verification (EIV) information and regarding maintenance of tenant lease files. EIV information was provided in electronic format to the independent public accountant. Cause: The individuals responsible for providing lease file information to the auditors were unaware of the EIV Rules of Behavior and certain HUD Regulations with respect to tenant lease files. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance with HUD guidelines could result in tenant personal information being disseminated to unauthorized individuals and the Authority being provided incomplete tenant file information. Questioned Costs: None Context: We selected a statistical sample of 40 files for review. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: Management should establish additional procedures and monitor compliance with those procedures in accordance with guidelines specified by HUD. Training for personnel with access to EIV information should emphasize the importance of following the EIV Rules of Behavior as required by HUD. Views of Responsible Officials: Management of the Authority agrees with the finding and the auditor's recommendations have been adopted.

Corrective Action Plan

During the year ended December 31, 2025, Cohn Rezneck noted 10 instances of noncompliance during audit procedures applied to a sample of 40 tenant lease files with HUD regulations regarding dissemination of Electronic Income Verification (EIV) information and regarding maintenance of tenant lease files. EIV information was provided in electronic format to the independent public accountant. Planned Corrective Action: Decatur Housing has established additional procedures and monitoring of compliance with those procedures in accordance with guidelines specified by HUD to include: • A standardized HCV EIV Review and Documentation Form; • A step-by-step EIV review and documentation guide for staff; • A separate, access-restricted electronic EIV folder for each family; • A requirement that the EIV report and completed review form be stored together in the family’s secure EIV folder rather than the main Annual or Interim Reexamination folder; • A consistent file-naming and document cross-reference process; • Staff certification and supervisory quality-control requirements; • Procedures for documenting and resolving discrepancies and open items; • Refresher training and ongoing monitoring to confirm continued compliance; and • Corrective procedures for any future documentation or filing errors. These measures are intended to establish a clear audit trail, protect EIV information, strengthen supervisory oversight, and prevent recurrence of the deficiencies. Name of Contact Person: Larry H. Padilla, CEO Anticipated completion date: August 28, 2026

Categories

HUD Housing Programs

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1239739 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $11.45M
14.879 MAINSTREAM VOUCHERS $773,472
14.251 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING, AND MISCELLANEOUS GRANTS $750,000
14.195 PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE (PBRA) $220,606