Finding 21870 (2022-001)

Material Weakness
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-09-24

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to conduct timely biennial inspections for Housing Quality Standards (HQS), leading to material non-compliance.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with HQS inspections is mandated by HUD regulations, which require inspections at least every two years.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a corrective action plan to enhance inspection processes and ensure compliance with HUD guidelines.

Finding Text

Finding 2022-001: Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Programs Federal Catalog Numbers: 14.871 Noncompliance ? N. Special Tests and Provisions - Housing Quality Standards Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: Yes Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance for Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: Housing Quality Standards Inspections. The PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least biennially to determine if the unit meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the PHA must conduct quality control re-inspections. The PHA must prepare a unit inspection report (24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b)). Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority?s files and on discussion with management, there were units that were not reinspected within the biennial reinspection period of two (2) years. Context: There are approximately 1,043 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers units. Of a sample size of twenty-three (23) tenant files, five (5) biennial inspections were not completed in a timely manner. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: $42,870. Cause: There is a material weakness in internal controls over the compliance for the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. The Authority has not properly performed provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. The Authority has not properly performed HQS inspections in compliance with program requirements following the expiration of HUD waivers as a result of a software error. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in material non-compliance with the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement a corrective action plan that will assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement. Authority Response: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor, and will make the several changes to its inspection process to ensure enforcement of Housing Quality Standards (or any subsequent replacement).

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan For the year ended December 31, 2022 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: The Lehigh County Housing Authority respectfully submits the following corrective action plan for the year ended December 31, 2022. Auditor: Novogradac & Company, LLP Certified Public Accountants 1144 Hooper Avenue, Suite 203 Toms River, New Jersey 08753 The findings from the December 31, 2022 schedule of findings and responses are discussed below. The findings are numbered consistently with the numbers assigned in the schedule. Financial Statement Findings There were no findings relating to the financial statements which are required to be reported in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs Finding 2022-001: Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program Federal Catalog Numbers: 14.871 Noncompliance ? N. Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: Yes Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance for Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: Housing Quality Standards Inspections. The PHA must inspect the unit leased to a family at least biennially to determine if the unit meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the PHA must conduct quality control re-inspections. The PHA must prepare a unit inspection report (24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b)). Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority?s files and on discussion with management, there were units that were not reinspected within the biennial reinspection period of two (2) years. Finding 2022-001: (continued) Context: There are approximately 1,043 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers units. Of a sample size of twenty-three (23) tenant files, five (5) biennial inspections were not completed in a timely manner. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: $42,870 Cause: There is a material weakness in internal controls over the compliance for the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. The Authority has not properly performed HQS inspections in compliance with program requirements following the expiration of HUD waivers as a result of a software error. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in material non-compliance with the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to HQS inspections. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement a corrective action plan that will assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement. Authority Response: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor, and will make the several changes to its inspection process to ensure enforcement of Housing Quality Standards (or any subsequent replacement). Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: Helen Khouli, HCV Program Coordinator, is responsible for implementing this corrective action by December 31, 2023.

Categories

Questioned Costs HUD Housing Programs Material Weakness Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 598312 2022-001
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $10.47M
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $783,933
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $155,764
10.427 Rural Rental Assistance Payments $115,117
14.856 Lower Income Housing Assistance Program_section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation $70,967
14.182 Section 8 New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation $62,928
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $55,985
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $13,597