Finding 25414 (2022-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-02-16

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The PHA failed to conduct timely re-inspections for units that did not meet Housing Quality Standards, leading to non-compliance with federal requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Annual inspections and timely corrections of deficiencies as outlined in 24 CFR sections 982.158(d) and 982.405(b).
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Develop and implement a corrective action plan to ensure compliance with inspection protocols and address staffing challenges.

Finding Text

Finding 2022-002: 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: No Significant Deficiency 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 annually 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)). For units that fail inspection the PHA must correct all life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours and all other deficiencies within 30 days. Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority?s files and on discussion with management, there was a failed inspection that did not pass reinspection within 30 days without penalty. Context: There are approximately 5,068 units. Of a sample size of twenty-five (25) failed inspections, one failed inspection did not pass reinspection within 30 days. HAP was not abated nor was the tenant evicted. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: $10,276 Cause: There is a significant deficiency 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 insufficient staffing . Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in 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. Following the expiration of the COVID-19 HUD regulatory waivers, the Authority experienced higher than usual rates of staff turnover and other staff capacity challenges related to the pandemic. Authority management is in the process of updating procedures and practices related to inspections and HAP abatement.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2022-002 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: No Significant Deficiency 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 annually 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)). For units that fail inspection the PHA must correct all life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours and all other deficiencies within 30 days. Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority?s files and on discussion with management, there was a failed inspection that did not pass reinspection within 30 days without penalty. Context: There are approximately 5,068 units. Of a sample size of twenty-five (25) failed inspections, one failed inspection did not pass reinspection within 30 days. HAP was not abated nor was the tenant evicted. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: $10,276 Cause: There is a significant deficiency 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 insufficient staffing . Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in 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. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor. Following the expiration of the COVID-19 HUD regulatory waivers, the Authority experienced higher than usual rates of staff turnover and other staff capacity challenges related to the pandemic. Authority management is in the process of updating procedures and practices related to inspections and HAP abatement. Aaron Pomeroy, Finance Director, will be responsible to implement this corrective action by June 30, 2023.

Categories

Questioned Costs HUD Housing Programs Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 25413 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 601855 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 601856 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $108.72M
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $3.15M
14.267 Continuum of Care Program $835,149
14.856 Lower Income Housing Assistance Program_section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation $365,909
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $148,629
14.249 Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy $114,383
10.427 Rural Rental Assistance Payments $48,330
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $3,800