Recommended Follow-Up: Management should enhance internal controls to ensure all future refunds comply with the 30-day rule.
Finding Text
Finding Type:
- Immaterial noncompliance with major program requirements
- Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance
Title and Assistance Listing Number of Federal Program - 14.155 - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Mortgage Insurance for the Purchase or Refinancing of Existing Multifamily Projects (Section 207/223(f))
Finding Resolution Status - In progress
Information on Universe and Population Size - All security deposit refunds made during 2023
Sample Size Information - A sample size of two security deposit refunds was determined based on the HUD audit guide.
Identification of Repeat Finding and Finding Reference Number - N/A
Criteria - HUD requires the Corporation to refund the security deposit to tenants within 30 days of the move-out.
Statement of Condition - The Corporation failed to refund the security deposit to one tenant within 30 days of the tenant's move-out date. The security deposit was refunded to the tenant on the 34th day subsequent to move-out.
Cause - The Corporation’s internal controls over compliance failed to detect the security deposit that was not refunded within 30 days.
Effect or Potential Effect - Additional security deposit refunds may not meet HUD's requirements.
Auditor Noncompliance Code - M - Security deposits
Reporting Views of Responsible Officials - Management acknowledges noncompliance in the current fiscal year and has taken measures to improve internal controls over compliance.
Context - During testing of move-outs, one instance of security deposit noncompliance was noted.
Recommendation - Management should make the necessary changes to internal controls over compliance so that security deposit refunds are made within 30 days of a tenant's move-out date.Department of Housing and Urban Development - Mortgage Insurance for the Purchase or Refinancing of Existing Multifamily Projects (Section 207/223(f))
Corrective Action Plan
The security deposit was refunded to the tenant on the 34th day subsequent to their move-out. Management has taken measures to improve internal controls over compliance related to tenant security deposit refunds.
Categories
HUD Housing ProgramsInternal Control / Segregation of DutiesProcurement, Suspension & DebarmentReportingSignificant Deficiency