Finding 26114 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2023-07-13

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Tenant files for the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program were missing critical documents, indicating a lack of compliance with eligibility verification requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: The PHA must maintain complete tenant files, including income verification and necessary documentation, as per federal regulations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement stronger internal controls to ensure all required documents are maintained and accessible, and issue a directive for proper archiving practices.

Finding Text

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 ? E. Eligibility ? Tenant Files Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: No Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance for Eligibility Criteria: Tenant Files. The PHA must do the following: As a condition of admission or continued occupancy, require the tenant and other family member to provide necessary information, documentation, and releases for the PHA to verify income eligibility (24 CFR sections 5.230, 5.609, and 982.516). These files are required to be maintained and available for examination at the time of audit. Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority?s files and on discussion with management, there were documents that were unavailable for examination at the time of audit. Context: There are approximately 1,805 units. Of a sample size of thirty-one (31) tenant files, the following was noted: ? Annual inspection report was missing in 1 file ? HUD 50058 Form was missing in 1 file ? Verification of income and assets was missing in 1 file. Our sample size is statistically valid. Cause: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over the compliance for the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. The Authority has not properly considered, designed, implemented, maintained and monitored a system of internal controls that assures the program is in compliance. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in non-compliance with the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement internal control procedures that will assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement. Authority Response: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor. The affected files relate to clients that have been on the program for decades and as files get large, archiving takes place. To correct this finding, a directive will be issued to staff that will ensure that when files are archived the original application must be placed in the current working file going forward.

Corrective Action Plan

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 ? E. Eligibility ? Tenant Files Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: No Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance for Eligibility. Criteria: Tenant Files. The PHA must do the following: As a condition of admission or continued occupancy, require the tenant and other family member to provide necessary information, documentation, and releases for the PHA to verify income eligibility (24 CFR sections 5.230, 5.609, and 982.516). These files are required to be maintained and available for examination at the time of audit. Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority?s files and on discussion with management, there were documents that were unavailable for examination at the time of audit. Context: There are approximately 1,805 units. Of a sample size of thirty-one (31) tenant files, the following was noted: ? Annual inspection report was missing in 1 file ? HUD 50058 Form was missing in 1 file ? Verification of income and assets was missing in 1 file. Our sample size is statistically valid. Cause: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over the compliance for the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. The Authority has not properly considered, designed, implemented, maintained and monitored a system of internal controls that assures the program is in compliance. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program is in non-compliance with the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement internal control procedures 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. The affected files relate to clients that have been on the program for decades and as files get large, archiving takes place. To correct this finding, a directive will be issued to staff that will ensure that when files are archived the original application must be placed in the current working file going forward. Allison Landrum, Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for implementing this corrective action by September 30, 2023.

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Eligibility Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 26115 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 26116 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 602556 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 602557 2022-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 602558 2022-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $14.68M
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $1.74M
14.182 Section 8 New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation $1.34M
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $712,945
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $120,820
14.870 Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services - Service Coordinators $85,688