Finding 394226 (2023-001)

- Repeat Finding
Requirement
M
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-04-22
Audit: 304188
Organization: Silver Lake Housing, Inc. (TX)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The security deposit account lacks sufficient funds to cover tenant liabilities, risking non-refundability for moving tenants.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with federal regulations regarding tenant security deposits is not being met, as funds were improperly used for operational needs.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Management should transfer adequate funds to the security deposit account and pursue a budget-based rent increase to improve cash flow by 12.31.24.

Finding Text

Findings reference number: 2023-001 Title and AL Number of Federal Program: Section 8 Housing Assistance, AL 14.195 Type of finding: Federal Award (Compliance) Resolution Status: In process Population size: N/A Sample size: N/A Repeat finding: Yes. Criteria: The tenant security deposits bank account should have enough cash to cover the tenant security deposit liability. Condition: Review of the security deposit account showed that the balance as of December 31, 2023 was insufficient to cover the tenant security deposit liability. Cause: The Project had a shortfall of operational cash and used some funds from the security deposit account. Effect: The Project may not be able to refund the security deposit for tenants moving out. Noncompliance code: M. Security deposits. Questioned costs: N/A. Reporting views of officials: Auditee agrees with the finding. Contract Number: 114-11228 Context: The funds were withdrawn because of a shortfall of operating cash and need for necessary repairs to the property. Recommendation: Management must transfer enough funds to the security deposit account to cover the tenant security deposit liability. Auditee's Response: Management has contacted the Property and Liability Broker about the high costs to insure the property. The Broker has agreed not to escalate the prices for the upcoming year. The reserve for replacement has ample funds to request reimbursements of qualified expenditures for the last two years to catch up on outstanding payables and fund the deficiency in the security deposits. Management is going to request a Budget Based Rent increase for the property since the OCAF increases for the last few years do not keep up with the extraordinary escalation of operating costs of the last three years. Management believes that with these steps it will be able to return to its previous cash flow position. Completion date: 12.31.24

Corrective Action Plan

Condition: The tenant security deposit cash account was insufficient to cover the tenant security deposit liability. Response: The Project is experiencing escalation of operating costs and management is going to request a Budget Based Rent increase for the property. Management believes that it will then be able to fund the shortfall in the security deposit cash account.

Categories

Cash Management HUD Housing Programs Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.155 Mortgage Insurance for the Purchase Or Refinancing of Existing Multifamily Housing Projects $2.16M
14.195 Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program $223,496