Finding Text
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: 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. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.